Romans 13

Submission to Authorities

1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of GodGod: Θεός (Theos). The Greek Theos (Θεός) refers to deity, used both for the one true God and false gods. Context determines whether it denotes the Father specifically or the Godhead generally.: the powers that be are ordained of God. References God: Psalms 62:11, Ephesians 5:21. Parallel theme: 1 Samuel 2:8, Daniel 2:21, 4:32, John 19:11, Titus 3:1, Jude 1:8, Revelation 1:5, 19:16 +5

2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. Parallel theme: Titus 3:1, James 3:1, 1 Peter 2:13

3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: Evil: Deuteronomy 25:1. Parallel theme: Proverbs 14:35, 20:2

4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrathWrath: ὀργή (Orgē). The Greek orgē (ὀργή) means wrath—settled, righteous anger against sin. Believers are 'saved from wrath through him' (Romans 5:9), as Christ bore God's wrath on the cross, satisfying divine justice. upon him that doeth evil. Judgment: Romans 12:19, 2 Chronicles 19:6, Proverbs 16:14. References God: Romans 13:6. Parallel theme: Proverbs 20:2

5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. Parallel theme: Ecclesiastes 8:2, Acts 24:16, 1 Peter 2:19

6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Parallel theme: 1 Chronicles 18:14, Luke 23:2

7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. Parallel theme: Exodus 20:12, Proverbs 24:21, Matthew 17:25, 22:21, Mark 12:17, Luke 20:25, Ephesians 5:33, 6:5, 1 Timothy 5:17, 6:1 +5

Love Fulfills the Law

8 Owe no man any thing, but to loveLove: ἀγάπη (Agape). The Greek agape (ἀγάπη) denotes self-sacrificial, unconditional love—the highest form of love, characterizing God's nature (1 John 4:8) and the love Christians are called to demonstrate. one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. Love: Romans 13:10, John 13:34, Galatians 5:14, Colossians 3:14, 1 Timothy 1:5, James 2:8. Word: Matthew 7:12. Parallel theme: Romans 13:7 +3

9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Love: Leviticus 19:18, 19:34, Matthew 22:39, Mark 12:31, Luke 10:27, Galatians 5:13. Word: Mark 10:19, Luke 18:20 +3

10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the lawLaw: νόμος (Nomos). The Greek nomos (νόμος) denotes law—particularly the Mosaic law. While believers are not under law but under grace (Romans 6:14), Christ fulfilled the law (Matthew 5:17) and wrote it on believers' hearts (Hebrews 8:10).. Love: Romans 13:8

Put On the Lord Jesus Christ

11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. Parallel theme: Ecclesiastes 9:10, Jonah 1:6, Matthew 16:3, Luke 21:28, 1 Corinthians 10:11, 15:34, Ephesians 5:14, 1 Peter 4:7, Revelation 22:12, 22:20 +5

12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Darkness: Ephesians 5:11. Related: Song of Solomon 2:17. Parallel theme: Romans 13:14, Isaiah 2:20, 30:22, 2 Corinthians 6:7, Ephesians 4:22, James 1:21, 1 Peter 2:1, Revelation 22:10 +5

13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. Parallel theme: Luke 21:34, Galatians 5:21, Ephesians 5:15, 5:18, Colossians 1:10, 1 Thessalonians 2:12, 4:12, 5:17, 1 John 2:6, Jude 1:23 +5

14 But put ye on the LordLord: Κύριος (Kurios). The Greek Kurios (Κύριος) means 'lord' or 'master,' used both for human masters and divinely for God the Father and Jesus Christ. Its application to Jesus affirms His deity, as it translates YHWH in the Septuagint. Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. References Christ: Galatians 3:27, 5:24. Parallel theme: Job 29:14, Ephesians 4:24, 1 Peter 2:11