Parents sleep while the devil is seducing their children. Then, may it never be overlooked that the established order in the civilized world, in spite of its deficiency, despite the inequalities and injustices, despite its halting and stumbling, is still far better than anarchy; and that, even if some complete overthrow of established institutions should occur, the new order, judged in the light of what history invariably discloses, would be no better than the old and would probably be much worse, especially when contrasted with the magnificent and benevolent policies already existing in our own beloved United States. The word here brings out more fully the fact that the ruler, like the priest, discharges a divinely ordained service. Without such constituted authority, the whole world would sink in me chaos and ruin. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery - He that loves another will not deprive him of his wife, of his life, of his property, of his good name; and will not even permit a desire to enter into his heart which would lead him to wish to possess any thing that is the property of another: for the law - the sacred Scripture, has said: Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. To report dead links, typos, or html errors or suggestions about making these resources more useful use the convenient, Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers -, For rulers are not a terror to good works -, Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? 3. There are Christians, of all places, in Rome itself! There was a man who knew all the dangers, but slept anyway. Some sleep the sleep of the weary, as did the disciples Peter, James and John in the Garden of Gethsemane. That Paul consciously followed the teachings of the Master throughout is observable in several particulars, as noted by Lenski: This passage does not teach that if one loves his neighbor he has license to break any of the commandments, but that truly loving one's neighbor will positively restrain from any sinful action against one's neighbor. To say that such conduct does not become Christians must have been intended by the apostle as a meiosis, an understatement for the sake of emphasis. Deeds that are becoming to Christians are those of virtue, integrity, faithfulness, purity, and love. To be clothed with a person is a Greek phrase, signifying to assume the interests of another - to enter into his views, to imitate him, and be wholly on his side. Test drive it and tell us about your experience. Jesus Christ our Lord never disobeyed any law, nor did he ever advocate disobedience, or any other kind of disobedience. Many sleep like that. On the other hand, when a king governs according to the constitution of his realms and has his heart and life governed by the laws of his God, he is then a double blessing to his people; while he is ruling carefully according to the laws, his pious example is a great means of extending and confirming the reign of pure morality among his subjects. Nothing can justify the opposition of the subjects to the ruler but overt attempts on his part to change the constitution, or to rule contrary to law. The Marxists, revolutionaries, Rousseauists, and screaming agitators are not the friends of the people but enemies. The other spoke up and said, "Well, it would help a lot if all the clergymen in our city knew it!" Paul himself was mistaken for the leader of an insurrection by the military tribune himself (Acts 21:38); and thus, it was extremely important that Christian behavior should conform to a strict pattern of respect and submission to the lawful government. It would be easy, in running over the list of our own kings, to point out several who were deservedly reputed good kings, who in their private life were very immoral. Eutychus fell out the third-story window during one of Paul's sermons and was taken up for dead; but Paul said, "His life is in him." That such was actually Paul's meaning here is evident from a comparison with Ephesians 5:14, quoted under Romans 13:11, above, where "Christ will shine upon you," does not mean at the judgment, but right now! All of the apostles understood and reiterated' Jesus' teaching in this field. on StudyLight.org Tons more resources, better tools, NIV84 and easier navigation. Hence Rev., ministers of God's service. Since the execution of their office is suited to excite “fear,” we should render to them that reverence which is appropriate to the execution of their function. But to resume the subject, and conclude the argument: I wish particularly to show the utter unlawfulness of rebellion against a ruler, who, though he may be incorrect in his moral conduct, yet rules according to the laws; and the additional blessing of having a prince, who, while his political conduct is regulated by the principles of the constitution, has his heart and life regulated by the dictates of eternal truth, as contained in that revelation which came from God. A fire may sweep through the city, a revolution rage in the streets, or a tornado bear down upon him, but he knows it not. Never behave rudely to any person; but behave respectfully to men in office: if you cannot even respect the man - for an important office may be filled by an unworthy person - respect the office, and the man on account of his office. Some young people sleep, thinking that they have many years in which to make their peace with God; but, while they sleep, they are taken away. St. Chrysostom particularly mentions this as a common phrase, ὁ δεινα τον δεινα ενεδυσατο, such a one hath put on such a one; i.e. More resources, better tools and easier navigation Test drive it and tell us about your experience. The ancient Jews frequently use the phrase putting on the shechinah, or Divine majesty, to signify the soul's being clothed with immortality, and rendered fit for glory. Therefore, the apostle says, Owe no man; as if he had said: Ye owe to your fellow brethren nothing but mutual love, and this is what the law of God requires, and in this the law is fulfilled. Paul spent many years in prison, being hailed before many judges; but there is no record that he was ever required to be bound and gagged to preserve order in the courtroom. The widespread Jewish attitude toward Rome was well known in Paul's day, and there can be little doubt that practically all of the Christians sympathized with it and were strongly tempted to aid the Jewish cause. [5] J. Barmby, The Pulpit Commentary (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Wm. This is eternally true of them that sleep from either lethargy or sin, and it is positively not required in understanding this verse to believe that Paul thought the second advent of Christ was to be expected any day. Not Yet a Member? The state itself, no less than God's church, is a divine institution, existing by God's permission and authority, and absolutely necessary for the continuity of the race of people upon the earth; and it is the unqualified duty of the Christian to submit to it, except in whose situations where doing so would break the commandments of God. do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise from the same. Paul's imagery here still refers to sleepers waiting too long to rouse out of slumber. "Some sleep ..." (1 Corinthians 11:30). Also, there were certain Christian practices which might have led them easily to despise the state. Suetonius tells us that it was because the Jews were making continual disturbances under their leader Christus. But it has been asked: If the ruler be an immoral or profligate man, does he not prove himself thereby to be unworthy of his high office, and should he not be deposed? When the ruler acts thus he dissolves the compact between him and his people; his authority is no longer binding, because illegal; and it is illegal because he is acting contrary to the laws of that constitution, according to which, on being raised to the supreme power, he promised to govern. Therefore, he that resisteth the power, withstandeth the ordinance of God: and they that withstand shall receive to themselves judgment. They had the most rooted aversion to the heathen government; and it was a maxim with them that the world was given to the Israelites; that they should have supreme rule every where, and that the Gentiles should be their vassals. Thus, "day" in this passage, having reference to the same time, means "at the present time, in the gospel age.". Not merely those laws of the state conceived of as "just laws" are to be obeyed; but, as Peter said, "every ordinance of man" was to be obeyed. This is said on the supposition that the ruler is himself a good man: such the laws suppose him to be; and the apostle, on the general question of obedience and protection, assumes the point that the magistrate is such. He infringes on the essential principles of law and equity. People's New Testament. People tire of the ceaseless struggle, become worn out with the dull routine, and, numbed by the deadly monotony, they fall asleep; but, while they nod Judas is making a deal with the high priest; and, in a little while, the soldiers will appear to lead the Lord away. Let our deportment be decent, orderly, and grave; such as we shall not be ashamed of in the eyes of the whole world. This may be prevented by their love, support, honor, and prayers for the present government, and by the necessity of their voting in a manner consistent with their prayers, to the end that the government may be able to survive the assaults being made upon it by forces of evil; and may their diligence in this be stimulated by the thought that if a breakthrough against the government succeeds, none will survive it, least of all, those who sought the tranquil life as God directed. It existed contemporaneously with Christ and the apostles. The original word, κοιταις, signifies whoredoms and prostitution of every kind. - Dr. Taylor's Notes, page 352. Capital punishment is clearly allowed to be a legitimate prerogative of human government, by Paul's statements here. Christ himself honored God's ordained institution, the state, ordered the payment of taxes to Caesar (Matthew 22:21), declared that the authority of the procurator, Pontius Pilate, was given to him "from above" (John 19:11), prophetically identified the armies of Vespasian and Titus as those of God himself sent for the purpose of destroying those evil men and burning their city, the city of Jerusalem (Matthew 22:7), submitted to arrest, even illegal and unjust arrest (Matthew 26:47-56), refused to allow Peter to defend with the sword against such an outrage, and meekly accepted the death penalty itself, which the state unjustly exacted, and which Christ had ample means of avoiding (Matthew 26:53), but did not. Click the Bible to visit the new StudyLight.org being developed!! This is invariably true of all, that salvation is nearer than when we first believed. Keep it! Romans 13, Geneva Study Bible, One of over 110 Bible commentaries freely available, this commentary of the Old and New Testament was penned by John Calvin, Martin Luther and Huldrych Zwingli. "The day" in the sense of Christ's coming in judgment upon Jerusalem was indeed "at hand," and only a little over a decade removed from the time when Paul wrote this letter. As noted above, Paul here adhered to the pattern of Jesus' summation of all the Decalogue under the two headings of love to God, and love to people (Matthew 22:34-40; Mark 12:29-31), the latter division being the one considered here. 6. I may just observe, that notwithstanding his long reign has been a reign of unparalleled troubles and commotions in the world, in which his empire has always been involved, yet, never did useful arts, ennobling sciences, and pure religion gain a more decided and general ascendancy: and much of this, under God, is owing to the manner in which this king has lived, and the encouragement he invariably gave to whatever had a tendency to promote the best interests of his people. Bible > Interlinear > Romans 13:13 Romans 13:13 Romans 13 - Click for Chapter. Whereofore ye must needs be in subjection, not merely because of the wrath, but also for conscience' sake. A Christian is prohibited from any such role, nor may he even "resist" (13:2), a conclusion that is based not alone on what Paul wrote here, but also upon the fact that no Christian of the apostolic age ever did anything remotely akin to pulling down a government. Provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof ... refers to the investment of time, preparation and money in such a manner as to allow or facilitate the gratification of fleshly lusts. The advices to the Christians may be found in the preceding chapter; those at the conclusion of this chapter belong solely to the heathens. Further, it is a state of illusion, the dreamer and the sleeper being identical as to their state. His reference to Christ's coming, and such expression as "the day is at hand," applied to the impending destruction of Jerusalem and the judicial coming of Christ in that epic event. One of them reached for the New Testament to read it himself and said, "I do wish that everyone knew this." 1. Many a soul has been lost while its possessor slept. Taking the gun out of the policeman's hands is the surest way to make all people victims of the lawless. Let us walk honestly, as in the day - Let us walk, ευσχημονες, decently, from εν, well, and σχημα, mien, habit, or dress. The propriety of paying lawful tribute, Romans 13:6, Romans 13:7. Strife and jealousy ... refer to the animosities of men inflamed with liquor, sated with vice, and living the lives of debauchees. Many today sleep like that. - As in the day, let us walk honestly (in the sense which honeste bears in Latin of decently, becomingly, with de. The word rendered "he" in this verse could be translated "it"; but the translators are correct in making it personal, for only a person could be spoken of as bearing the sword. Although it is true that his holy teachings had the profoundest influence upon the course of history, it was always as leaven and not as dynamite that his influence worked. with Christ unto sin, that we may lead a new life of. The great apostle Paul was proud of his Roman citizenship, invoked its protection, and refused to pay a bribe to Felix, despite the fact that a bribe was solicited and would have procured his release from prison. The truth of Paul's words here is not contravened, either by the persecutions of the first century or the threat of persecutions now. Only a few sentries were left to guard the heights overlooking the mighty St. Lawrence river; but, while they slept, the soldiers of General Wolfe scaled the heights of the river and defeated the French the next morning on the plains of Abraham. Even the discussion of gross sins was forbidden to Christians upon the ground that such guarding of the conversation "becometh saints" (Ephesians 5:3). Anyone familiar with this type of behavior will testify to its obscene, profane, and repulsive nature. The Dominion of North America changed hands while people slept! It is an awful thing to rebel, and the cases are extremely rare that can justify rebellion against the constituted authorities. And what is this solemn doctrine? For this cause pay ye tribute also - Because civil government is an order of God, and the ministers of state must be at considerable expense in providing for the safety and defense of the community, it is necessary that those in whose behalf these expenses are incurred should defray that expense; and hence nothing can be more reasonable than an impartial and moderate taxation, by which the expenses of the state may be defrayed, and the various officers, whether civil or military, who are employed for the service of the public, be adequately remunerated. Otherwise, the whole Christian movement might have been swallowed up in the overwhelming destruction of Israel, then impending, and so soon to be accomplished. And practices of the most abandoned and dissolute sort? Chambering and wantonness ... as retained in the English Revised Version from the KJV, mean "debauchery and licentiousness" (RSV), or "debauchery and vice" (New English Bible). Be rigidly just; withhold neither from the king nor his ministers, nor his officers of justice and revenue, nor from even the lowest of the community, what the laws of God and your country require you to pay. All this is just and right, but there is no insinuation in the apostle's words in behalf of an extravagant and oppressive taxation, for the support of unprincipled and unnecessary wars; or the pensioning of corrupt or useless men. A way of conveyance so ingenious and unexceptionable that even Nero himself, had this epistle fallen into his hands, could not fail of seeing his duty clearly stated, without finding any thing servile or flattering on the one hand, or offensive or disgusting on the other. Choose a verse from 'Romans 13' to begin your 'Verse-by-Verse' study of God's Word using the more than 100 commentaries available on StudyLight.org More resources, better tools and easier navigation Test drive it and tell us about your experience. Owe no man any thing, but to love one another - In the preceding verses the apostle has been showing the duty, reverence, and obedience, which all Christians, from the highest to the lowest, owe to the civil magistrate; whether he be emperor, king, proconsul, or other state officer; here he shows them their duty to each other: but this is widely different from that which they owe to the civil government: to the first they owe subjection, reverence, obedience, and tribute; to the latter they owe nothing but mutual love, and those offices which necessarily spring from it. [2] H. C. G. Moule, The Epistle to the Romans (London: Pickering and Inglis), p. 254. The great need of Paul's revelation of the proper Christian attitude toward the secular state derived from a number of very important considerations. In that exceptional passage, Paul made the "whole armour" to be the truth, or the gospel of salvation. Some sleep the sleep of Eutychus, the sleep of the injured. Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world" (John 18:36). Here are two powerful motives to prevent the infraction of the laws and to enforce obedience. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? Home > Commentaries > People's New Testament > Romans > Chapter 7. Putting on , or being clothed with Jesus Christ, signifies receiving and believing the Gospel ; and consequently taking its maxims for the government of life, having the mind that was in Christ. The generality of the best critics think it a spurious reading. Present-day lawgivers are not wiser than God who laid down such penalties and enforced them in the Old Testament dispensation. No, indeed. Home > Study Desk. Romans 1:13 - I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that often I have planned to come to you (and have been prevented so far) so that I may obtain some fruit among you also, even as among the rest of the Gentiles. Tons more resources, better tools, NIV84 and easier navigation. Moffatt took account of the essential difference in two Hebrew words, [~ratsach] and [~harag], the latter meaning "put to death," the other meaning "murder." Render therefore to all their dues - This is an extensive command. 89. It reaches out to destroy; it tosses to and fro; but people give no heed. ii., page 307. Significantly, even in that last statement, Paul did not indicate that he expected the immediate second coming of Christ. May all the sleepers be aroused by the call of the apostle's words here. Kypke on this place has quoted some good authorities for the above distinction and signification. For what reason this edict was issued does not satisfactorily appear. He calls those to awake who were in a stupid, senseless state concerning all spiritual and moral good; and those who were employed in the vilest practices that could debase and degrade mankind. That they are charged with practices almost peculiar to the heathens? This small tribute of praise to the character and conduct of the British king, and gratitude to God for such a governor, will not be suspected of sinister motive; as the object of it is, by an inscrutable providence, placed in a situation to which neither envy, flattery, nor even just praise can approach, and where the majesty of the man is placed in the most awful yet respectable ruins. Test drive it and tell us about your experience. Render to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due: custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor. Let every soul be in subjection to the higher powers: for there is no power but of God; and the powers that be are ordained of God. -, For he is the minister of God to thee for good -, For he is the minister of God, a revenger -, Owe no man any thing, but to love one another -, For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery -, ουκετι μετριαζοντες, αλλα τον Ταρκυνιον εκεινον ενδυομενοι. Further, at the very moment Paul was writing Romans, practically the whole Jewish nation was preparing its final insurrection which was destined to culminate only a few years later (70 A.D.) in the destruction of Jerusalem by Vespasian and Titus. The armour of light ... is one of Paul's favorite metaphors for the gospel of Jesus Christ, which he called the "whole armour" in Ephesians 6:13-17). See the doctrine on Romans 13:1. It was becoming of Christ to fulfill all righteousness (Matthew 3:15). 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