Commentary on Romans 13: The Christian's Obligation to Government and Neighbor
The Christian and Government
Romans 13:1-7 emphasizes the Christian's obligation to obey governing authorities. These authorities are ordained by God to maintain order and deter evil. They are God's servants, tasked with punishing wrongdoers and upholding justice. As such, Christians should strive to be model citizens, paying taxes, rendering respect, and fearing the authority that restrains their sinful tendencies.
Key Points:
- Governing authorities are ordained by God.
- Christians should obey authorities to promote order and justice.
- Obedience includes paying taxes, showing respect, and fearing authority.
The Christian's Obligation to Neighbor
Love is the primary obligation towards others (Romans 13:8-10). This includes fulfilling the commandments against adultery, murder, theft, and false witness. Love should extend to all neighbors, even in difficult circumstances. Christians should prioritize love over material possessions and recognize that love is the true measure of their obedience to God.
Key Points:
- Love is the fulfillment of all commandments.
- Love does no harm to others.
- Christians should love their neighbors as themselves.
Urgency to Walk Right with God
The imminent return of Christ emphasizes the urgency for Christians to awaken from spiritual slumber and walk in righteousness (Romans 13:11-14). They should cast off the works of darkness, such as revelry, drunkenness, and lust, and instead put on the armor of light, represented by Lord Jesus Christ. By actively partnering with Christ, Christians can make provision for the spirit rather than the flesh, and live in accordance with God's standards.
Key Points:
- Christians should awake from spiritual slumber.
- They should put on the armor of light, Jesus Christ.
- They should make provision for the spirit, not the flesh.
Additional Insights from Matthew Henry's Commentary
- Christians should not resist lawful authorities (v. 2).
- Love works no ill to our neighbors (v. 10).
- The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with us all. Amen. (v. 14).
Romans 13 provides guidance for Christians on their responsibilities to government and neighbor. Christians should generally submit to governmental authorities as ordained by God, but they retain the right to resist unjust laws or actions. Obedience is a matter of conscience, driven by the desire to honor God and promote societal order, while love remains the guiding principle in all human relationships.
FAQs: Commentary on Romans 13
What is the Christian's obligation to the government?
Christians are obligated to obey governing authorities, who are ordained by God to maintain order and deter evil.
How should Christians view government officials?
Christians should see government officials as servants of God, tasked with punishing wrongdoers and upholding justice.
What does it mean to "render respect" to authorities?
Rendering respect involves acknowledging the authority of governing officials and adhering to their laws and regulations.
Is it necessary to pay taxes?
Yes, Christians should pay taxes as a form of respect for authorities and to support the functioning of the government.
What is the primary obligation towards others?
Love is the primary obligation towards others, as it fulfills the commandments against adultery, murder, theft, and false witness.
Is it acceptable to resist unjust laws or actions?
While Paul advocates submission to authorities, he does not condone tyranny. Christians have the right to resist unjust laws or actions that violate God's commandments.
What is the urgency of walking right with God?
The imminent return of Christ emphasizes the urgency for Christians to awaken from spiritual slumber and walk in righteousness.
What is the "armor of light" that Christians should put on?
The armor of light represents Lord Jesus Christ, and by actively partnering with Him, Christians can make provision for the spirit rather than the flesh.
