Romans 13

(1)  Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
(2)  Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
(3)  For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:
(4)  For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
(5)  Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
(6)  For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.
(7)  Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
(8)  Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.
(9)  For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
(10)  Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.
(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.
(12)  The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.
(13)  Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.
(14)  But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

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Study Questions

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1. Who are the “higher powers”? Verse 1.

2. How are the “powers that be” ordained or instituted by God?

3. What is the limit of our obedience and subjection to civil authorities?

4. What does it mean to resist the power? Why should Christians not resist? Verse 2.

5. What is an additional reason that Christians should not resist? Verse 3.

6. In what way is a ruler “the minister of God to thee for good”? Verse 4.

7. What are three reasons are given that an evil-doer should fear the authorities?

8. How does verse 4 relate to verse 19 in the previous chapter?

9. What two reasons are given for submission to government authorities? Verse 5.

10. Who is to pay these “ministers of God”? Why are they to be paid? Verse 6.

11. How many of the following should a Christian pay?
(1) Dues on exports and imports.
(2) Taxes.
(3) Proper respect to authorities.
(4) Honest commendation to those who serve well in public office.

12. Does this verse end all credit buying for Christians? Verse 8.

13. We do have a great debt that we owe. What is it?

14. How is refraining from the evils mentioned fulfilling the law of love? Verse 9.

15. How can we love our neighbor as ourselves? Verse 10.

16. Can you think of some things that would be included in “love worketh no ill to his neighbor?

17. In what sense is salvation nearer today than when we first believed? Verse 11.

18. In what sense are we all “working on a night shift”? Verse 12.

19. What preparation is necessary for working in the Lord’s house?

20. What kind of conduct is forbidden? Verse 13.

21. How do we “put on the Lord Jesus Christ”? Verse 14.

Thought Questions:
22. (1) Does the statement “he beareth not the sword in vain” in verse 4 justify capital punishment?
(2) Could a Christian be used as an instrument of the state to execute criminals?
(3) Could you, in good conscience, do this?

23. Consider the definition of “resist” in verse 2.
(1) Could a Christian have participated in the revolution of the colonies against England with the Lord’s endorsement?
(2) Could a Christian have been a part of the rebellion against the union in 1861-1865? (3) Could a Christian in a hostile country plot and work for the overthrow of his government?

24. Can a Christian be active in civil government?
(1) Can a Christian execute wrath (12:19)?
(2) Can a child of God participate in government even to the extent of voting?