Romans 13:11
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Romans 13:11
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.
Chapter Context
Romans 13 is a theological epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of judgment, love, wisdom. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 57 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Christians in Rome navigated tensions between Jewish and Gentile believers under imperial watch.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-14: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Romans and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Romans 13:11
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.
Analysis
And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep—Kai touto eidotes ton kairon, hoti hōra ēdē hymas ex hypnou egerthēnai (καὶ τοῦτο εἰδότες τὸν καιρόν, ὅτι ὥρα ἤδη ὑμᾶς ἐξ ὕπνου ἐγερθῆναι). Kairon (καιρόν, time) is not chronos (chronological time) but opportune moment, eschatological urgency. Hōra ēdē (the hour already) signals imminence. Ex hypnou egerthēnai (to awake from sleep) uses hypnos (spiritual drowsiness, moral lethargy) and egeirō (awake/resurrect)—the same word for Christ's resurrection (Romans 6:4).
For now is our salvation nearer than when we believed—Nun gar engyteron hēmōn hē sōtēria ē hote episteusamen (νῦν γὰρ ἐγγύτερον ἡμῶν ἡ σωτηρία ἢ ὅτε ἐπιστεύσαμεν). Engyteron (nearer) indicates progressive approach. Sōtēria (salvation) here is glorification—Christ's return, resurrection, final deliverance (Romans 8:23-25). The aorist episteusamen (we believed) marks conversion; every day brings believers closer to consummation. Eschatological expectation fuels moral urgency—live as those whose redemption draws near (Luke 21:28).
Historical Context
Early Christians lived with intense expectation of Christ's imminent return (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 Corinthians 7:29-31). Paul wrote Romans circa AD 57; he expected Jesus' return within his lifetime (1 Thessalonians 4:15, 'we who are alive'). This 'not yet' tension—already justified, not yet glorified—shaped early Christian ethics. Two millennia later, Christ tarries, yet the call remains: live as those whose salvation is 'nearer than when we believed.' Every generation stands on the precipice of eternity.
Reflection
- How does eschatological urgency (<em>hōra ēdē</em>, 'the hour already') affect your daily priorities, relationships, and use of time?
- What does it mean to 'awake from sleep' (<em>ex hypnou egerthēnai</em>)—what spiritual drowsiness needs to be shaken off in your life?
- How should Christians live in light of salvation being 'nearer' each day—with anxiety, urgency, hope, or all three?
Word Studies
- Believe: πιστεύω (Pisteuo) G4100 - To believe, trust, have faith
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Ecclesiastes 9:10, Jonah 1:6, Matthew 16:3, Luke 21:28, 1 Corinthians 10:11, 15:34