Romans 13
Romans 13 is part of “Christian Living: The Practice of Righteousness” (12:1–15:13) in the outline of Romans.
Romans 13 summary
There are three good lessons taught us in this chapter, where the apostle enlarges more upon his precepts than he had done in the foregoing chapter, finding them more needful to be fully pressed. I. A lesson of subjection to lawful authority (Rom 13:1-6). II.
Read the full introduction
There are three good lessons taught us in this chapter, where the apostle enlarges more upon his precepts than he had done in the foregoing chapter, finding them more needful to be fully pressed. I. A lesson of subjection to lawful authority (Rom 13:1-6). II. A lesson of justice and love to our brethren (Rom 13:7-10). III. A lesson of sobriety and godliness in ourselves (Rom 13:11 to the end).
Source: Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Key verses in Romans 13
Romans 13 (GNV)
Geneva Bible 1599 (public domain)
Submission to Authorities
1Let euery soule be subiect vnto the higher powers: for there is no power but of God: and the powers that be, are ordeined of God. 2Whosoeuer therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist, shall receiue to themselues condemnation. 3For Magistrates are not to be feared for good workes, but for euill. Wilt thou then bee without feare of the power? doe well: so shalt thou haue praise of the same. 4For he is ye minister of God for thy wealth, but if thou do euill, feare: for he beareth not the sworde for nought: for he is the minister of God to take vengeance on him that doeth euill. 5Wherefore ye must bee subiect, not because of wrath only, but also for conscience sake. 6For, for this cause ye pay also tribute: for they are Gods ministers, applying themselues for the same thing. 7Giue to all men therefore their duetie: tribute, to whome yee owe tribute: custome, to whom custome: feare, to whome feare: honour, to whom ye owe honour.
Love Fulfills the Law
8Owe nothing to any man, but to loue one another: for he that loueth another, hath fulfilled the Lawe. 9For this, Thou shalt not commit adulterie, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steale, Thou shalt not beare false witnes, Thou shalt not couet: and if there be any other commandement, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, euen in this, Thou shalt loue thy neighbour as thy selfe. 10Loue doeth not euill to his neighbour: therefore is loue the fulfilling of the Lawe.
Put On the Lord Jesus Christ
11And that, considering the season, that it is now time that we should arise from sleepe: for now is our saluation neerer, then when we beleeued it. 12The night is past, and the day is at hande, let vs therefore cast away the workes of darkenesse, and let vs put on the armour of light, 13So that wee walke honestly, as in the day: not in gluttonie, and drunkennesse, neither in chambering and wantonnes, nor in strife and enuying. 14But put yee on the Lord JESUS CHRIST, and take no thought for the flesh, to fulfill the lustes of it.