Bible Commentaries
Romans 13

Verse 1

3:1 Rom 13:1-2. Higher is from HUPER-ECHO, which Thayer defines at this place, "to be above, be superior in rank, authority, power." Power is from EXOUSIA which the same author defines at this place, "one who possesses authority; a. ruler, human magistrate." Be subject is from HUPOTASSO, and both Thayer and Strong define it in this passage, "to obey." The sentence, then, means that every person must obey the rulers of human governments. The same command is given in direct terms in Tit 3:1 and 1Pe 2:13-14. Ordained is from TASSO, which Thayer defines here, "to place in a certain order, to arrange, to assign a place, to appoint," and Paul says this is done of God. The Mosaic system was both religious and civil, or secular as a government. But when the New Testament age came in, the Lord dropped the civil use and ordered man to form his own government, with the understanding, of course, that he was not to pass any laws that would violate the religious principles of His law. That is why it is the same as resisting the ordinance of God for a man to disobey the laws of the land.

Verse 3

3:3 Rom 13:3. In most of the verses Paul is considering the penal parts of the law. To be afraid of these rulers means to respect their laws against wrongdoing. Have praise of the same. If a man does right he will be regarded as a good citizen.

Verse 4

3:4 Rom 13:4. Minister of God is explained in the first paragraph. Beareth not the sword in vain. There is only one use for a sword and that is to take life; in the hands of an officer it would mean capital punishment. Here we have the teaching that when an officer executes capital punishment, he is acting as a "minister of God."

Verse 5

3:5 Rom 13:5. A Christian will obey the laws with a twofold motive. He wishes to avoid punishment, and he also desires to have a good conscience.

Verse 6

3:6 Rom 13:6. This tribute means tax on property. The rulers protect our property, which makes it necessary to support them while they are attending upon this very thing.

Verse 7

3:7 Rom 13:7. Custom is defined by Thayer, "toll, custom," and explains it to mean, "an indirect tax on goods." The two words, tribute and custom means "all taxes, personal and real." We should fear the penal officer (verse 3) and respect or honor the rulers.

Verse 8

3:8 Rom 13:8. A part of Thayer's explanation of owe is, "that which is due." It does not forbid honorable debts such as accounts, for Paul and Philemon conducted such transactions (Phm 1:18), but a man should regard his debts and deal honestly. The debt of love can never be will," hence ne may always without criticism.

Verse 9

3:9 Rom 13:9. The Jews regretted giving up the law that contained what they thought were such important principles. Paul is showing that those principles are not lost by receiving the Gospel. It requires Christians to love their neighbors as themselves, and if they do, they will necessarily do all the things that are named in this verse.

Verse 10

:10 Rom 13:10. Love (one of the requirements of the Gospel) fulfills the law by prompting one to do these neighborly acts specified by the law.

Verse 11

:11 Rom 13:11. Wake out of sleep denotes arousing from indifference and becoming more active in the service of the Lord. Salvation nearer. If we are faithful until death or until Jesus comes whichever occurs first our salvation will be assured. Of necessity, then, the passing of the days brings us nearer to that reward.

Verse 12

:12 Rom 13:12. The night is a figurative term for the period of waiting, and the day (of our salvation, verse 11) is at hand or nearer as stated in the preceding verse. Moralizing on these truths, the apostle exhorts us to cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor ("implements") of light, which means divine truth.

Verse 13

:13 Rom 13:13. Honestly means "decently," and the day here means the condition of spiritual light. Chambering is from KOITE which Thayer defines "cohabitation," then explains it to mean, "whether lawful or unlawful." Wantonness is from ASELGEIA and Thayer's definition is more specific than on the preceding word: "Unbridled lust, excess, licentiousness," etc. He then explains it at our passage to mean, "filthy words, indecent bodily movements, unchaste handling of males and females." Such a life as the foregoing describes will not prepare one for salvation when the "day arrives.

Verse 14

:14 Rom 13:14. Gal 3:27 tells us how we can "put on Christ." Make no provision means not to look forward to the lusts of the flesh, in order to have the opportunity for gratification.