Romans 13:1–10, 12b–14

Explore the Bible
Assistant Professor of Christian Studies, University of Mobile

Live as a Godly Neighbor
Romans 13:1–10, 12b–14

Be a Good Citizen (1–7)
The point of this passage is summed up in the opening words: “Everyone must submit to the governing authorities.”Two words in this command need special attention.  First, “governing authorities” refers to anyone who represents the power of the state, from the local city councilman to the emperor or president. Second, “submit” means more than simply obey. It calls on believers to recognize that they “stand under” government in the scheme that God instituted for ruling the world.

With the “for” in the middle of verse 1, Paul introduces why believers should recognize government’s authority over them. He reminds them that God has instituted or appointed every authority that exists. Because God is involved in the appointment of all political authorities, human rebellion against these authorities is actually rebellion against God Himself and judgment will result.

Paul also says one of the purposes of secular government is to act as “God’s servant” in rewarding good and punishing evil. While the word “servant” usually refers to someone who ministers consciously on God’s behalf, it is also used to denote a civic official. Political officials are servants of God. Unconsciously they serve God’s purposes in the world.

Because the government has the God-given responsibility to punish those who do evil, if believers want “to be unafraid of the authority,” then they should do good. They will then be commended by the government. 

In verse 5, Paul repeats the command to submit and he again states that God ordains governing authorities and will bring wrath on the one who does wrong. He then gives another reason believers should submit to the governing authorities: “because of your conscience.” The word “conscience” refers to our consciousness of God and of His will for us. Because we understand that God has appointed secular rulers, we must submit to them.

The “this“ in verse 6 points to this truth. Because we are aware of God’s ordaining of governing authorities, we pay taxes. Paul reminds us of the key theological point at the end of verse 6: We must respect public servants because they are God’s servants.

Paul issues a command in verse 7: “Pay your obligations to everyone.” It is obvious in this context that “everyone” means especially every civic authority. God expects more than a grudging outward recognition of the government’s authority; believers are to accord to rulers “respect” and “honor.” Because they are ordained by God, believers are to respect and honor governing authorities, manifesting that submission in the paying of taxes.

Treat Others Right (8–10)
Sincere love is the heart of new covenant ethics. The commandments of the Old Testament law culminate in the demand that we love our neighbors as we love ourselves. Paul acknowledges there is one debt that will never be completely paid: the debt of love to other people. Loving others fulfills the law of God.

In verses 9–10, Paul explains how it is that loving others “fulfills” the law. The love command, found in Leviticus 19:18 and cited by Jesus when asked about the “greatest commandment” (Matt. 22:36–40), sums up all the other commandments. When we truly love another, we automatically do what the other commandments of the law require. No one who truly loves another person will murder, commit adultery, steal or covet. 

Exhibit High Morals (12b–14)
Christians are to exhibit high morals by behaving in decent and honorable ways and so avoiding gross, sexual sins and sins that destroy relationships. The believer is to put on the armor of light. We are to “walk with decency,” which suggests behavior that is careful and restrained. In order to live a life exhibiting high morals, the believer must “put on the Lord Jesus Christ.”

We who are in Christ must envelop ourselves with Him so that He directs all our thoughts and conduct. We are to be continually “taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ” (2 Cor. 10:5) and not allow human impulses to dominate our behavior.