Romans 13:1-7 is among the most difficult, potentially disturbing, and even possibly dangerous of all Pauline texts. Over the centuries it has too often been used to support the divine right of kings, blind nationalism, and unquestioned loyalty to rulers - even tyrants. It is, however, neither a full-blown treatise on church-state relations nor the only passage in Paul with political overtones. Simply to confess Jesus as Lord and royal Messiah has political implications, especially in an imperial context, ancient or modern.
-Michael Gorman, Romans
Romans 13
Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. 4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.
6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
Why this is hard …
What it is not about…
-
-
Romans 13 should be interpreted in light of:
1. It’s immediate context.
2. The letter’s larger context and overall purpose.
3. The political and religious situation of the Roman churches at the time of the letter.
4. Paul’s overarching theological perspectives and concrete practices.
What it is about…
-
-
-
-
Romans 13
8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. 9 The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 10 Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
A story from D. Martyn Loyd-Jones
We all have a debt of love.
Romans 13
11 And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.
Paul aims to produce loving personalities not just correct actions.
Small Group Questions:
Scripture Reading
Read Romans 12:9–21 three times—each in a different translation:
1. NIV – Clear and readable.
2. The Message – Emotionally vivid and paraphrased.
3. ESV – Word-for-word precision. Encourage group members to listen for repeated ideas or standout phrases.
Observation: What does the passage say?
What words or phrases stood out to you in the readings?
What commands or instructions did you notice?
How does Paul describe love?
What contrasts do you see (e.g., evil vs. good, pride vs. humility)?
Interpretation: What does it mean?
Paul starts with “Love must be sincere.” What does that mean? How is Christian love different from worldly love?
“Bless those who persecute you” and “Do not repay evil for evil” are hard teachings. Why do you think Paul emphasizes these so strongly? How does this reflect the gospel?
Application: How should we live this out?
Is there someone in your life who is hard to love or forgive right now?
How can we better “practice hospitality” or “live in harmony” in our group or community?