In Romans 13, the Apostle Paul provides a powerful message on the Christian’s relationship with civil authorities and the transformative power of love. He emphasizes the importance of submitting to governing authorities, as they are established by God to maintain order in society.
But Paul’s message goes beyond mere obedience to the law. He reminds us that love is the ultimate fulfillment of the law and that by loving our neighbors, we can live out our faith in a way that pleases God.
As we investigate into this pivotal chapter, I’ll explore how Paul’s teachings on authority, love, and righteous living are just as relevant today as they were in the first century. We’ll discover how embracing these principles can help us navigate an increasingly complex world while staying true to our faith and reflecting Christ’s love to those around us.
Submission to Governing Authorities
In Romans Chapter 13, Paul addresses the importance of submitting to governing authorities. He emphasizes that all authority comes from God and instructs believers to respect and honor those in positions of power.
No Authority Except from God
Paul clarifies that all governing authorities are established by God:
- He writes, “For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God” (Romans 13:1, NKJV).
- This means God appoints a nation’s leaders, but not always to bless the people. Sometimes it’s to judge the people or ripen the nation for judgment.
- We remember Paul wrote this during the reign of the Roman Empire, which was no democracy and no special friend to Christians, yet he still saw their legitimate authority.
- Your Savior suffered under Pontius Pilate, one of the worst Roman governors Judea ever had, and Paul under Nero, the worst Roman Emperor. Neither our Lord nor His Apostle denied or reviled the authority.
Resisting Authority Brings Judgment
Paul warns that resisting authority brings judgment:
- “Hence whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves” (Romans 13:2, NKJV).
- Since governments have authority from God, we’re bound to obey them, unless they order us to do something contradicting God’s law. Then we’re commanded to obey God before man (Acts 4:19).
How this happens:
- God, whose infinite authority is restrained only by His character.
- The civil ruler with his sword (police and army). Rulers punish criminals for evil works, so civil rebels should fear them.
The Role and Purpose of Government
As Christians, it’s crucial to understand the role and purpose of government according to Romans 13. God has ordained governing authorities to serve specific functions in society.
To Punish Evildoers
One of the primary roles of government is to punish those who do wrong. Romans 13:4 states, “For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.” The “sword” represents the government’s authority to enforce laws and administer justice.
God has given the government the responsibility to:
- Maintain order in society
- Protect citizens from harm
- Bring criminals to justice
When the government fulfills this role, it serves as God’s instrument to restrain evil and promote a peaceful society.
To Commend Those Who Do Good
Plus to punishing evildoers, the government also has the role of commending those who do what is right. Romans 13:3 says, “For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same.”
When individuals live uprightly and contribute positively to society, the government should:
- Recognize and appreciate their good deeds
- Encourage and support their positive contributions
- Create an environment that fosters goodness and righteousness
By commending those who do good, the government incentivizes righteous behavior and sets a standard for society to follow.
The Christian’s Responsibility to Government
In Romans Chapter 13, Paul addresses the Christian’s responsibility towards governing authorities, emphasizing several key points:
- Submission to Authorities: Paul instructs believers to be subject to the governing authorities because these authorities are ordained by God. Resisting the authorities is seen as resisting God’s ordinance, which can lead to judgment.
- Role of Governing Officials: The authorities are described as God’s ministers, tasked with punishing evildoers and rewarding those who do good. Their role is to maintain order and protect the public good.
Pay Taxes and Revenues
Paul emphasizes the importance of paying taxes and other revenues as part of the Christian’s duty:
- Taxes as a Form of Support: Believers are instructed to pay their taxes because the authorities are God’s ministers, and paying taxes is a way of supporting the structure God has set up.
“For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing.” – Romans 13:6 NKJV
- Rendering What Is Due: Christians should give to everyone what they are owed, whether it’s taxes, customs, respect, or honor.
Give Respect and Honor
Plus to paying taxes, Paul calls for Christians to show respect and honor to those in authority:
- Respect for Authority: Believers should respect those in positions of authority, recognizing that their role is ordained by God.
“Render hence to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.” – Romans 13:7 NKJV
- Honoring Leaders: Christians are encouraged to honor their leaders, even if they disagree with their policies or actions, as a way of honoring God’s established order.
By submitting to authorities, paying taxes, and showing respect and honor, Christians demonstrate their obedience to God and their commitment to being good citizens in the society where God has placed them.
Love Fulfills the Law
Paul stresses that love is the fundamental principle that fulfills the law. If Christians love their neighbors as they love themselves, they are essentially fulfilling all the commandments.
Love Your Neighbor as Yourself
This concept is rooted in the commandment “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Romans 13:9 NKJV). Paul explains that this single command encompasses all the other commandments, such as:
- “You shall not commit adultery”
- “You shall not murder”
- “You shall not steal”
- “You shall not bear false witness”
- “You shall not covet” (Romans 13:9 NKJV)
By loving others in this way, I’m adhering to the entire law. It’s a powerful and transformative principle that simplifies my Christian walk.
Love Does No Wrong to a Neighbor
Paul highlights that love inherently does no harm to others. He writes, “Love does no harm to a neighbor; hence love is the fulfillment of the law” (Romans 13:10 NKJV).
When I truly love my neighbor, I won’t:
- Desire what they have
- Rejoice at their misfortune
- Allow thoughts that could lead to sin
- Harbor ill feelings towards them
Instead, I’ll:
- Protect and preserve their well-being
- Rejoice in their successes
- Do what is just and fair in God’s sight
- Seek their benefit, happiness, and protection
This love is not just fuzzy feelings, but intentional actions that reflect God’s kindness, even to those I may dislike. It’s a high calling, but one that I can fulfill through Christ’s love in me.
Putting On Christ in Light of the Times
As believers, we must be mindful of the times we live in and put on Christ daily. Paul exhorts us to walk properly and cast off the works of darkness, for the day of Christ’s return is drawing near.
The Day Is at Hand
The apostle Paul declares in Romans 13:12, “The night is far spent, the day is at hand.” This refers to the gospel day in which we now live, with Christ’s return being the next major event. The prophets and apostles spoke of this new era:
- Jesus announced the fulfillment of time (Mark 1:15)
- He identified it as “the acceptable year of the Lord” (Luke 4:19; Isaiah 61:2)
- We are living in the last days, awaiting Christ’s return (1 Thess. 5:4-10)
As children of light, we must be alert and sober-minded, living each day in anticipation of our Savior’s appearing.
Walk Properly as in the Daytime
Considering the approaching day, Paul urges us to “walk properly, as in the day” (Romans 13:13). This means:
- Casting off the works of darkness (v. 12)
- Putting on the armor of light (v. 12)
- Avoiding revelry, drunkenness, lewdness, lust, strife, and envy (v. 13)
- Putting on the Lord Jesus Christ (v. 14)
- Making no provision for the flesh (v. 14)
We are called to live holy lives that reflect Christ’s character. By clothing ourselves with the Lord Jesus, we can walk in a manner worthy of our calling and be prepared for His coming.
Conclusion
Romans 13 offers a wealth of wisdom for exploring the complexities of Christian life in relation to civil authorities and the law of love. Paul’s teachings remind me that as a believer, I’m called to submit to governing authorities as part of God’s divine plan, while always prioritizing obedience to God above all else.
It’s clear that government plays a vital role in maintaining order and justice, and I have a responsibility to support and honor those in authority as I strive to be a good citizen. Yet, the overarching principle that guides my life is love—a love that fulfills the law, does no harm, and reflects Christ’s character to the world around me.
As I walk this journey of faith, I’m inspired to cast off the works of darkness, put on the Lord Jesus Christ daily, and live in a manner worthy of my calling, always mindful of the times we live in and the glorious day of Christ’s return.
More Chapter Summaries From The Book Of Romans
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