In the last chapter, Paul told us how we were to conduct
our lives in relationship to our fellowman and brother. In
this section, Paul is discussing how we are to conduct
ourselves in relationship to the civil authorities.
In order to conduct our lives in a godly manner, we must
have instructions telling us how to do so in the different
relationships in which we will be involved. As in all other
matters, it is best to stay out of the limelight of the civil
authorities as much as possible. It seems that in the
majority of cases, the evil people are the ones who are in
the courts. Their lives are lived in such a way that they
are always at cross-purposes to the demands of the law!
Let everyone be loyally subject to the civil authorities.
For there is no authority except that which God allows.
And God appoints the authority that exists.
Paul is broaching a touchy subject for those who are
living in the American culture. No one likes for anyone to
have authority over him! However, Paul is talking to the
Romans, who lived in a country ruled by a despot! Paul
was held in prison for a long period of time by the Roman
government and ultimately put to death by this authority!
But there is no getting around it. We are all to be loyally
subject to the civil authority. That is the only way we can
live peacefully. All power or authority comes from God.
This does not tell us that all authority is conducted
according to God's will. But those in authority should
remember that as their power comes from God, so is
their accountability to God. But nevertheless, God has
ordained, or appointed, or made a place for civil
authority. God rules in the kingdom of men and gives it
to whomsoever He wills.
Daniel 4:25 That they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling
shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make thee to eat
grass as oxen, and they shall wet thee with the dew of heaven, and
seven times shall pass over thee, till thou know that the most High
ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.
Of course, this does not mean that we cannot appeal
against an unjust ruling – when that option is given. Paul
appealed to Caesar when he felt that he could not get a
just hearing in the local halls of authority. But only
peaceful means are at our disposal. For we are the
citizens of heaven. And that citizenship must take
priority over our earthly citizenship. Anything that would
keep us from continuing to keep our minds on God's
word and way should be eliminated out of our lives. This
would include a court case that might go on for years and
receive only limited results. As Paul said in the previous
chapter, vengeance is mine, I will repay says the Lord.
For God is the one who holds civil authorities responsible
for their lack of justice.
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.
Therefore, whosoever resists the authority resists God's
appointment. And those who resist God will receive
judgment for themselves.
Paul says that if we resist the civil authority, we are
resisting God. And if we resist God we will be judged for
it. Of course, in no circumstance should we submit to
any authority that requires us to disobey God. However,
sometimes this will require that we submit to being
thrown in prison, like Paul. And in prison, it might be
difficult to obey God because of circumstances. So, one
needs to think of this when he sees the clouds of
restraint coming over a nation. Of course, most are too
poor to do anything about it even then. We have to take
our lives one day at a time and always do the right thing
as long as it is in our power to do so.
2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance
of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
For the civil authority is not a source of fear to people of
good conduct, but to those of an evil conduct.
Therefore, would you not have respect for the authority?
Do that which is right and you will receive his approval.
Generally speaking civil authorities are not trying to stir
up trouble. They are handling the cases that come
before them on a daily basis and those who stand before
them are usually evil people. We should respect their
position of authority and do that which is right. They
may never see us, but they are thankful for those who
are law abiding and not stirring up trouble for that
lightens their burden.
We can all think of evil people who have been in authority
over other people. Nebuchadnezzar was a tyrant. He
threw the 3 Hebrew children in the fiery furnace because
they would not bow down to an image or idol of himself.
Hitler comes to mind when we think of an evil person in
authority. Others would include Lenin, Stalin, and
Hussein.
What are we to do when men become racial bigots and
tyrants who seek to destroy a whole race? It is obvious
that we need to seek another country if we can.
Sometimes we end up dead, like Paul did. But it is always
right to live righteously and under authority rather than
being a grit that cannot submit.
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:
For he is the servant of God for your good. But if you do
wrong, you should dread him for he does not bear the
sword in vain. For, he is the servant of God to punish
the wrongdoer.
The civil authority is a servant for God. If we do what is
right we will not be brought into his presence in most
cases. But if we do that which is wrong, we would then
need to fear him. For he bears the sword, a figure for a
means of punishment, to punish the person who does
wrong.
Paul is admonishing the believers to live quietly and
peacefully, not to go about stirring up trouble. According
to one commentary, the Jews during the time of this
writing were stirring up trouble in Rome. They were
going about agitating and making trouble for those in
authority who had to be continually putting out their
social fires. We are not to go about stirring up trouble
for the government. If we do and the civil authorities
come down on our heads, we have gotten our just
deserts.
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.
Therefore, one must be subject to the civil authorities,
not only because of the punishment they can inflict on
you, but also for the sake of one's conscience.
Paul gives two reasons why we should be subject to
those in civil authority. #1) They have the power to
punish us – and #2) We cannot do wrong and have a
clear conscience.
If our conscience is not clear, we are in trouble with
God! Therefore, we should live peaceably and godly
before all men, always.
5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also
for conscience sake.
For this same reason, you are to pay taxes. For the civil
authorities are God's servants when they fulfill their
duties.
For those who think we should not pay taxes, here is
Paul's admonition. The reason we pay taxes is because
those who are in authority, as servants of God, are
keeping the peace, they are throwing evil men into jail
and keeping them off of the streets so those who will do
so can live in peace. Therefore, we are to pay taxes so
they can have a means of income and do their duties.
6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers,
attending continually upon this very thing.
Therefore, render to all men their dues. Pay taxes to
whom taxes are due. Pay revenue to whom revenue is
due. Give respect to whom respect is due. Give honor
to whom honor is due.
To end this section of how we are to relate to the civil
authorities, Paul says that we are to give all men in civil
authority what is due them. Then he breaks this down
into specific categories. Taxes are to be paid to whom
taxes belong. The Federal income tax goes to the IRS.
State Income tax goes to the state. And sales tax goes to
those collecting that tax, etc.
The next category is custom, or indirect taxes and other
revenue that is collected for the smooth operation of the
government. This might include custom taxes that are
required at the border of the nation, or state. It would
include tolls, taxes on gasoline, and etc.
The next category is respect. One is not to disdain those
in authority. We have a huge problem with that in this
country. It has always been so easy to vilify one in
authority and get by with it, for we are allowed a lot of
freedom. But if we keep in mind the office and not the
person, it is easier to give respect.
And the last category is honor. Honor is a higher plane
than respect. Honor includes respect, but it can be given
because of the person as well as just for the office. If we
follow Paul's admonition in all these things, keeping
ourselves out of other men's affairs, we will get along fine
with the civil authorities in a country that is looking for
the welfare of its people.
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.
In this section, we have seen a good amount of
instructions about how we are to relate to civil
authorities. We are to obey them in all things where they
do not require us to disobey God. We do so because
they are servants for God! All power comes from God
and He sits up and puts down authorities. If we do good
they will have no reason to punish us. And we cannot
have a clear conscience unless we are at peace with all
men.
We are to pay all taxes laid on us including customs or
hidden taxes. Only in this way can they continue to be
there to rein-in evil men. We are to respect those to
whom respect belongs. This is not something we
determine, but respect written into the law or code of the
land. We are to give honor to whom honor is due. This
can go above the requirements of the law or code or
custom of the land, but certainly we can do no less than
the law requires in any of these matters.
In other words, we are to live peaceably before God and
man. And in this section, Paul has discussed how we do
that with the civil authorities.
At this point, Paul turns his instructions to a spiritual
level and what we owe all humanity, not just the civil
authorities.
Be under obligation to no one. The only obligation you
have is to love one another. Whoever does this has
obeyed the Law.
We are not to be in debt to anyone for any thing. This is
referring to our relationship with other people. Recall
that the Messiah said that we were to pray, Forgive us
our debts as we forgive those who are indebted to us!
There are to be no outstanding debts going or coming.
Matthew 6:12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
But there is one exception! We are to always have a debt
of love to one another. If we are holding a debt to be
paid, over another person, we cannot let love flow from
us to that person. We are to love, even our enemies!
Everything must be done in love and we must reward
good for evil - if we would be like the Messiah.
If we show love for everyone, we have fulfilled the law. In
other words, we will honor our parents, we will not
murder, we will not commit adultery, we will not lie, or
steal, and we will not covet that which belongs to our
neighbor.
Ex 20:12 Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be
long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
13 Thou shalt not kill.
14 Thou shalt not commit adultery.
15 Thou shalt not steal.
16 Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.
17 Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet
thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor
his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's.
But, under the New Covenant, we will go further than just
<not> doing bad things to our neighbor. According to
Paul, we are to owe no man anything except love. And
the Messiah raised the level of the Ten Commandments
so that we are to live them according to the spirit, not
just the letter.
He said that if a man stole our coat we were to let him
have our cloak also. As Paul showed in an earlier
section, we are to accomplish good, so that we can “heap
coals on his head”. God is to take vengeance for us and
we are not to revenge ourselves. We are to live our lives
before God. We are to please Him, and let Him intervene
when we have been done wrong. We are to love all
mankind. If we realize that all have the potential of being
in the Kingdom and being a son of God; if we realize that
God makes determination about who will be allowed in
that Kingdom and who will be His son, we have nothing to
worry about.
When we have been wronged, we should think about
those who have been wronged in an even greater way
than we have. This helps us to bring into perspective
how we are to love one another. We don't want to allow
anything or anyone to keep us from fulfilling the law. We
know that there are liars out there, there are those who
would steal and kill. But we are to live unto God. We
must seek His protection. We must think that except for
the grace of God, there go I!
The word love used in the phrase "love one another" is
not agape, but agapao. Agape love is brotherly love or
the love we show to each other as believers. This word
agapao, which is used here, is similar to agape in that it
is a godly love, but love as shown to those who are in the
world, outside the brotherhood. The fact that Paul used
the commandments that have to do with our relationship
to our neighbor, in the next verse, shows us that agapao
is a godly love.
8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth
another hath fulfilled the law.
The commandments, "Do not commit adultery; do not
commit murder; do not steal; do not desire what belongs
to someone else" -- all these, and any others besides,
are summed up in the one command, "Love your
neighbor as you love yourself."
In this Scripture of instruction, we have been handed a
bill for a lifetime. In other words, Become you perfect as
your Father in heaven is perfect! Paul brings out the
commandments that deal with loving our neighbor. He
ends this statement by saying that all commandments are
briefly understood by the concept that you shall love
your neighbor as yourself.
There is a concept to think about! There is the essence
of God's character! To love one's neighbor - the froward
with the good - as yourself is very difficult for us to do.
We want matters to be justified when others do us
wrong. We are not willing to die for the unjust! The
Messiah died – the just for the unjust! He is our example
to follow. He came into the world not to condemn the
world, but that the world might be saved.
1 Peter 3:18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for
the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the
flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
If we love our neighbor as ourselves, we cannot hold any
debt over the head of anyone in God's presence. God
gave means by which we can reconcile our differences.
But the greater love is to forgive and to forget. Here
again, the word love is agapao for it is godly love toward
those in the world. Agape love is even greater than
agapao because it can flow back and forth between two
believers. But agapao love may go in one direction only!
If someone takes your coat and you let him have your
cloak – love is going in one direction only. Agape love
between two believers would flow back and forth. A
brother would not take your coat, so you would not have
to part with your coat, much less your cloak!
And when there are irresolvable differences between two
people in an organization known as the church of God,
there is something wrong with either or both of these
people. It is obvious that one or both of them are
unconverted. If one was converted, agapao love would
flow in one direction. If both were converted, agape love
would flow in both directions. But because love will not
flow in either direction, we would come to the conclusion
that neither is converted and that neither agape nor
agapao love is present!
We cannot live like the people in the world. The coat and
cloak instructions by the Messiah are to be understood
as a type of debt between two individuals. The person
who takes the coat is like a person who takes away your
honor, or your position in the congregation. He is acting
like an outsider who is getting and taking for himself and
not showing agape love. But, a fertile field has been
sown for the other person to act in kind or to act godly.
Unless one person or the other is converted and has the
holy spirit, the matter cannot be resolved. But whether a
person is a brother, or of the world, we are to love that
person. And unless we are willing to forgive a person, we
do not love him! We may not be able to love that person
with agape, but we can love him with agapao. For agape
flows in two directions but agapao flows only in one
direction away from the person who has it. Both of these
types of love are godly love.
The word <loved> used below is agapao. In other words,
God's love flowed in one direction only. It came out from
Him and flowed to a world full of sinners. Only when we
begin to love God is there an agape love, for only then
can love flow in two directions. God will agapao us but
He longs to agape us. God does agape those who belong
to Him. But as Paul shows in this section, we are to
follow in the footsteps of God and agapao those in the
world.
John 3:16 For God so loved (agapao) the world, that he gave his
only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not
perish, but have everlasting life.
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.
If you love your neighbor, you will never do him wrong.
Therefore, to love is to fulfill the whole law.
Agape love works no ill to his neighbor. Here Paul is
saying that if you have a brotherly love for your neighbor,
you can do him no wrong. Therefore, agape love is the
fulfilling of the whole law. In verse 8, Paul said that
agapao love is the fulfilling of the law. However here,
Paul uses the word agape! There is no difference
between agape and agapao except that agape flows in
two directions and agapao flows only in one direction.
According to what Paul is saying here, we are to have a
brotherly love, even for those who are not yet of the
faith! This can only be a love that flows in one direction
because unless our neighbor is of the faith, he will not
reciprocate. But Paul clearly shows that agapao and
agape love are both a godly love. Both of these words
define a love that has to do with God's character and how
we are to live. Both of them have the idea of keeping the
Ten Commandments behind them.
10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the
fulfilling of the law.
And do this, for you know that it is high time to wake up
out of your sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than
when we first believed.
So Paul says follow up on what I have said. For the time
is late. It is past time for you to wake up out of your
sleep and put on the character of God. Not holding debts
over others, whether in the world or in the church, but
loving the believers with agape love and even those in the
world with the same love though it cannot be
reciprocated.
For our deliverance is closer to us than it was when we
first came to understand the truth. The fact that our
reward is close should spur us on to greater and greater
love not only for one another, but even for our enemies.
We don't have time to nurse and hold on to grudges. We
don't have time to keep a record of our hurts and the
offences that others have for us. We need a clear
conscience between us and God and leave vengeance to
Him.
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.
The night is nearly over – day is almost here. Let us stop
doing those things that have to do with darkness and let
us put on the armor of light.
Darkness is almost past! The time of confusion is about
to pass away! The time when wrong is king is about to
become history! The day is at hand! The time when we
will know as we are known is upon us! The time when
right will be king is about to begin! Therefore, let us cast
off the way that is perishing. Let us forsake anything
that would tie us to that thought process. Let us have
agape and agapao love. In that way we will be fulfilling
the whole law, we will have put on the breastplate of
righteousness and the helmet of salvation. We will have
the girdle of truth. Our feet will be shod with the
preparation of the gospel of peace. Notice that although
we are to put on the armor of light, our warfare is one of
peace! We are to bring every thought into captivity and
become sons of God. We are to put on the shield of
faith. We are to take to ourselves the sword of the spirit,
that is the word of God! We are to live by every word of
God. And we are to pray always for this is our means of
communication with God, the Commander in Chief. We
are to lay aside every weight and sin that so easily besets
us and run with patience the race that is before us.
Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with
so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the
sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the
race that is set before us,
We don't have time to hold on to a record of debts that
other people owe us. We must be willing to die for those
who have done us wrong, if we would follow in the
footsteps of God!
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.
Let us conduct ourselves honorably, as those who live in
the light of day. We are not to be involved in carousing
and drunkenness, or in immorality and debauchery, or in
quarreling and jealousy.
Remember Paul is writing to the Romans! It was the
natural thing to carouse about, or make merry, and live
one's life as a riot. This naturally involved being drunk,
or the act of reaching that state! It had to do with being
immoral or living one's life contrary to God's standards.
Chambering would mean committing adultery, in Paul's
context here. Wantonness or debauchery means a very
low depth of living in sin. This would come close to and
include Sodomy and living like those of Sodom and
Gomorrah. It has to do with unbridled lust. Strife would
have the meaning of quarreling and fighting as is prone
to happen in places where drunkenness is accepted.
Envy or jealousy rages out of control in such
circumstances and is itself the reason for the quarreling
and fighting that takes place in such a way of life. In
other words, one was not to do as the Romans did when
in Rome or any other part of the world, for that matter!
Rather, Paul said that we were to live our lives honorably
as in the day. Here a figure of speech is being used as
earlier. Day is put for the light of righteousness. Evil
deeds are usually done in the darkness, in the night, or in
a place of seclusion because the light of day makes
known what we do. We are to live our lives as on an
open stage; we should have nothing to hide that could
only be done in the darkness.
John 3:19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the
world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their
deeds were evil.
13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and
drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and
envying.
But clothe yourself with the Master, Joshua, the Messiah
and do not take forethought for the evil cravings of your
flesh, to gratify its desires.
Paul ends this section with the admonition to put on the
Messiah. Put on as a garment, the mind of the Master!
He did not sin. He was perfect. He is the model. He is
the one we must measure up to. Further, Paul said that
we were not to think ahead how we could gratify our
fleshly desires. We are not to dig into God's word to find
a reason that we can hold on to a grudge, or to justify
our position of not forgiving anyone. For if we do not
forgive, we do not love. Only God has the right to
withhold forgiveness. For only He knows when it is
greater love to withhold forgiveness and when it is
greater love to forgive.
Further, we are not to look into the Scriptures and say,
Look at David, he had 20 wives and he was a man after
God's own heart! There are many ways of using the
Scriptures deceitfully to justify our holding on to our evil
thoughts.
There are many ways to provide ahead for sin. But we
are to live as in the daylight, not in the night.
14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for
the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
In this section, Paul shows us that we are to only owe
love, and we are to owe that to the whole world. Our
debt of love will never be paid! He shows us that if we
live by the law of God and fulfill its requirements we will
love all mankind. We will have agape love both for our
brothers where the love can flow back and forth, and we
will have agape love for our neighbor where it can flow
only one way. We are not to expect love in return before
we will give that love.
We are to put on the whole armor of God and to be
clothed with the righteousness of the Messiah. We are
not to live our lives as those who walk in the dark and evil
deeds of this world, but we are to live as those who walk
in the day of righteousness. We are to put off the deeds
and desires of the flesh and put on the mind of the
Messiah who lived a perfect life.
We are not to think about how we can justify our position
and live as a facade of righteousness, but we are to be
genuine in the conduct of our lives.
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Commentaries
Chapter:
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Three
Four
Four Continued
Five
Six
Seven
Seven Continued
Eight
Eight Continued
our lives in relationship to our fellowman and brother. In
this section, Paul is discussing how we are to conduct
ourselves in relationship to the civil authorities.
In order to conduct our lives in a godly manner, we must
have instructions telling us how to do so in the different
relationships in which we will be involved. As in all other
matters, it is best to stay out of the limelight of the civil
authorities as much as possible. It seems that in the
majority of cases, the evil people are the ones who are in
the courts. Their lives are lived in such a way that they
are always at cross-purposes to the demands of the law!
Let everyone be loyally subject to the civil authorities.
For there is no authority except that which God allows.
And God appoints the authority that exists.
Paul is broaching a touchy subject for those who are
living in the American culture. No one likes for anyone to
have authority over him! However, Paul is talking to the
Romans, who lived in a country ruled by a despot! Paul
was held in prison for a long period of time by the Roman
government and ultimately put to death by this authority!
But there is no getting around it. We are all to be loyally
subject to the civil authority. That is the only way we can
live peacefully. All power or authority comes from God.
This does not tell us that all authority is conducted
according to God's will. But those in authority should
remember that as their power comes from God, so is
their accountability to God. But nevertheless, God has
ordained, or appointed, or made a place for civil
authority. God rules in the kingdom of men and gives it
to whomsoever He wills.
Daniel 4:25 That they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling
shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make thee to eat
grass as oxen, and they shall wet thee with the dew of heaven, and
seven times shall pass over thee, till thou know that the most High
ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.
Of course, this does not mean that we cannot appeal
against an unjust ruling – when that option is given. Paul
appealed to Caesar when he felt that he could not get a
just hearing in the local halls of authority. But only
peaceful means are at our disposal. For we are the
citizens of heaven. And that citizenship must take
priority over our earthly citizenship. Anything that would
keep us from continuing to keep our minds on God's
word and way should be eliminated out of our lives. This
would include a court case that might go on for years and
receive only limited results. As Paul said in the previous
chapter, vengeance is mine, I will repay says the Lord.
For God is the one who holds civil authorities responsible
for their lack of justice.
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.
Therefore, whosoever resists the authority resists God's
appointment. And those who resist God will receive
judgment for themselves.
Paul says that if we resist the civil authority, we are
resisting God. And if we resist God we will be judged for
it. Of course, in no circumstance should we submit to
any authority that requires us to disobey God. However,
sometimes this will require that we submit to being
thrown in prison, like Paul. And in prison, it might be
difficult to obey God because of circumstances. So, one
needs to think of this when he sees the clouds of
restraint coming over a nation. Of course, most are too
poor to do anything about it even then. We have to take
our lives one day at a time and always do the right thing
as long as it is in our power to do so.
2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance
of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
For the civil authority is not a source of fear to people of
good conduct, but to those of an evil conduct.
Therefore, would you not have respect for the authority?
Do that which is right and you will receive his approval.
Generally speaking civil authorities are not trying to stir
up trouble. They are handling the cases that come
before them on a daily basis and those who stand before
them are usually evil people. We should respect their
position of authority and do that which is right. They
may never see us, but they are thankful for those who
are law abiding and not stirring up trouble for that
lightens their burden.
We can all think of evil people who have been in authority
over other people. Nebuchadnezzar was a tyrant. He
threw the 3 Hebrew children in the fiery furnace because
they would not bow down to an image or idol of himself.
Hitler comes to mind when we think of an evil person in
authority. Others would include Lenin, Stalin, and
Hussein.
What are we to do when men become racial bigots and
tyrants who seek to destroy a whole race? It is obvious
that we need to seek another country if we can.
Sometimes we end up dead, like Paul did. But it is always
right to live righteously and under authority rather than
being a grit that cannot submit.
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:
For he is the servant of God for your good. But if you do
wrong, you should dread him for he does not bear the
sword in vain. For, he is the servant of God to punish
the wrongdoer.
The civil authority is a servant for God. If we do what is
right we will not be brought into his presence in most
cases. But if we do that which is wrong, we would then
need to fear him. For he bears the sword, a figure for a
means of punishment, to punish the person who does
wrong.
Paul is admonishing the believers to live quietly and
peacefully, not to go about stirring up trouble. According
to one commentary, the Jews during the time of this
writing were stirring up trouble in Rome. They were
going about agitating and making trouble for those in
authority who had to be continually putting out their
social fires. We are not to go about stirring up trouble
for the government. If we do and the civil authorities
come down on our heads, we have gotten our just
deserts.
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.
Therefore, one must be subject to the civil authorities,
not only because of the punishment they can inflict on
you, but also for the sake of one's conscience.
Paul gives two reasons why we should be subject to
those in civil authority. #1) They have the power to
punish us – and #2) We cannot do wrong and have a
clear conscience.
If our conscience is not clear, we are in trouble with
God! Therefore, we should live peaceably and godly
before all men, always.
5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also
for conscience sake.
For this same reason, you are to pay taxes. For the civil
authorities are God's servants when they fulfill their
duties.
For those who think we should not pay taxes, here is
Paul's admonition. The reason we pay taxes is because
those who are in authority, as servants of God, are
keeping the peace, they are throwing evil men into jail
and keeping them off of the streets so those who will do
so can live in peace. Therefore, we are to pay taxes so
they can have a means of income and do their duties.
6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers,
attending continually upon this very thing.
Therefore, render to all men their dues. Pay taxes to
whom taxes are due. Pay revenue to whom revenue is
due. Give respect to whom respect is due. Give honor
to whom honor is due.
To end this section of how we are to relate to the civil
authorities, Paul says that we are to give all men in civil
authority what is due them. Then he breaks this down
into specific categories. Taxes are to be paid to whom
taxes belong. The Federal income tax goes to the IRS.
State Income tax goes to the state. And sales tax goes to
those collecting that tax, etc.
The next category is custom, or indirect taxes and other
revenue that is collected for the smooth operation of the
government. This might include custom taxes that are
required at the border of the nation, or state. It would
include tolls, taxes on gasoline, and etc.
The next category is respect. One is not to disdain those
in authority. We have a huge problem with that in this
country. It has always been so easy to vilify one in
authority and get by with it, for we are allowed a lot of
freedom. But if we keep in mind the office and not the
person, it is easier to give respect.
And the last category is honor. Honor is a higher plane
than respect. Honor includes respect, but it can be given
because of the person as well as just for the office. If we
follow Paul's admonition in all these things, keeping
ourselves out of other men's affairs, we will get along fine
with the civil authorities in a country that is looking for
the welfare of its people.
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.
In this section, we have seen a good amount of
instructions about how we are to relate to civil
authorities. We are to obey them in all things where they
do not require us to disobey God. We do so because
they are servants for God! All power comes from God
and He sits up and puts down authorities. If we do good
they will have no reason to punish us. And we cannot
have a clear conscience unless we are at peace with all
men.
We are to pay all taxes laid on us including customs or
hidden taxes. Only in this way can they continue to be
there to rein-in evil men. We are to respect those to
whom respect belongs. This is not something we
determine, but respect written into the law or code of the
land. We are to give honor to whom honor is due. This
can go above the requirements of the law or code or
custom of the land, but certainly we can do no less than
the law requires in any of these matters.
In other words, we are to live peaceably before God and
man. And in this section, Paul has discussed how we do
that with the civil authorities.
At this point, Paul turns his instructions to a spiritual
level and what we owe all humanity, not just the civil
authorities.
Be under obligation to no one. The only obligation you
have is to love one another. Whoever does this has
obeyed the Law.
We are not to be in debt to anyone for any thing. This is
referring to our relationship with other people. Recall
that the Messiah said that we were to pray, Forgive us
our debts as we forgive those who are indebted to us!
There are to be no outstanding debts going or coming.
Matthew 6:12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
But there is one exception! We are to always have a debt
of love to one another. If we are holding a debt to be
paid, over another person, we cannot let love flow from
us to that person. We are to love, even our enemies!
Everything must be done in love and we must reward
good for evil - if we would be like the Messiah.
If we show love for everyone, we have fulfilled the law. In
other words, we will honor our parents, we will not
murder, we will not commit adultery, we will not lie, or
steal, and we will not covet that which belongs to our
neighbor.
Ex 20:12 Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be
long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
13 Thou shalt not kill.
14 Thou shalt not commit adultery.
15 Thou shalt not steal.
16 Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.
17 Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet
thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor
his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's.
But, under the New Covenant, we will go further than just
<not> doing bad things to our neighbor. According to
Paul, we are to owe no man anything except love. And
the Messiah raised the level of the Ten Commandments
so that we are to live them according to the spirit, not
just the letter.
He said that if a man stole our coat we were to let him
have our cloak also. As Paul showed in an earlier
section, we are to accomplish good, so that we can “heap
coals on his head”. God is to take vengeance for us and
we are not to revenge ourselves. We are to live our lives
before God. We are to please Him, and let Him intervene
when we have been done wrong. We are to love all
mankind. If we realize that all have the potential of being
in the Kingdom and being a son of God; if we realize that
God makes determination about who will be allowed in
that Kingdom and who will be His son, we have nothing to
worry about.
When we have been wronged, we should think about
those who have been wronged in an even greater way
than we have. This helps us to bring into perspective
how we are to love one another. We don't want to allow
anything or anyone to keep us from fulfilling the law. We
know that there are liars out there, there are those who
would steal and kill. But we are to live unto God. We
must seek His protection. We must think that except for
the grace of God, there go I!
The word love used in the phrase "love one another" is
not agape, but agapao. Agape love is brotherly love or
the love we show to each other as believers. This word
agapao, which is used here, is similar to agape in that it
is a godly love, but love as shown to those who are in the
world, outside the brotherhood. The fact that Paul used
the commandments that have to do with our relationship
to our neighbor, in the next verse, shows us that agapao
is a godly love.
8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth
another hath fulfilled the law.
The commandments, "Do not commit adultery; do not
commit murder; do not steal; do not desire what belongs
to someone else" -- all these, and any others besides,
are summed up in the one command, "Love your
neighbor as you love yourself."
In this Scripture of instruction, we have been handed a
bill for a lifetime. In other words, Become you perfect as
your Father in heaven is perfect! Paul brings out the
commandments that deal with loving our neighbor. He
ends this statement by saying that all commandments are
briefly understood by the concept that you shall love
your neighbor as yourself.
There is a concept to think about! There is the essence
of God's character! To love one's neighbor - the froward
with the good - as yourself is very difficult for us to do.
We want matters to be justified when others do us
wrong. We are not willing to die for the unjust! The
Messiah died – the just for the unjust! He is our example
to follow. He came into the world not to condemn the
world, but that the world might be saved.
1 Peter 3:18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for
the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the
flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
If we love our neighbor as ourselves, we cannot hold any
debt over the head of anyone in God's presence. God
gave means by which we can reconcile our differences.
But the greater love is to forgive and to forget. Here
again, the word love is agapao for it is godly love toward
those in the world. Agape love is even greater than
agapao because it can flow back and forth between two
believers. But agapao love may go in one direction only!
If someone takes your coat and you let him have your
cloak – love is going in one direction only. Agape love
between two believers would flow back and forth. A
brother would not take your coat, so you would not have
to part with your coat, much less your cloak!
And when there are irresolvable differences between two
people in an organization known as the church of God,
there is something wrong with either or both of these
people. It is obvious that one or both of them are
unconverted. If one was converted, agapao love would
flow in one direction. If both were converted, agape love
would flow in both directions. But because love will not
flow in either direction, we would come to the conclusion
that neither is converted and that neither agape nor
agapao love is present!
We cannot live like the people in the world. The coat and
cloak instructions by the Messiah are to be understood
as a type of debt between two individuals. The person
who takes the coat is like a person who takes away your
honor, or your position in the congregation. He is acting
like an outsider who is getting and taking for himself and
not showing agape love. But, a fertile field has been
sown for the other person to act in kind or to act godly.
Unless one person or the other is converted and has the
holy spirit, the matter cannot be resolved. But whether a
person is a brother, or of the world, we are to love that
person. And unless we are willing to forgive a person, we
do not love him! We may not be able to love that person
with agape, but we can love him with agapao. For agape
flows in two directions but agapao flows only in one
direction away from the person who has it. Both of these
types of love are godly love.
The word <loved> used below is agapao. In other words,
God's love flowed in one direction only. It came out from
Him and flowed to a world full of sinners. Only when we
begin to love God is there an agape love, for only then
can love flow in two directions. God will agapao us but
He longs to agape us. God does agape those who belong
to Him. But as Paul shows in this section, we are to
follow in the footsteps of God and agapao those in the
world.
John 3:16 For God so loved (agapao) the world, that he gave his
only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not
perish, but have everlasting life.
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.
If you love your neighbor, you will never do him wrong.
Therefore, to love is to fulfill the whole law.
Agape love works no ill to his neighbor. Here Paul is
saying that if you have a brotherly love for your neighbor,
you can do him no wrong. Therefore, agape love is the
fulfilling of the whole law. In verse 8, Paul said that
agapao love is the fulfilling of the law. However here,
Paul uses the word agape! There is no difference
between agape and agapao except that agape flows in
two directions and agapao flows only in one direction.
According to what Paul is saying here, we are to have a
brotherly love, even for those who are not yet of the
faith! This can only be a love that flows in one direction
because unless our neighbor is of the faith, he will not
reciprocate. But Paul clearly shows that agapao and
agape love are both a godly love. Both of these words
define a love that has to do with God's character and how
we are to live. Both of them have the idea of keeping the
Ten Commandments behind them.
10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the
fulfilling of the law.
And do this, for you know that it is high time to wake up
out of your sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than
when we first believed.
So Paul says follow up on what I have said. For the time
is late. It is past time for you to wake up out of your
sleep and put on the character of God. Not holding debts
over others, whether in the world or in the church, but
loving the believers with agape love and even those in the
world with the same love though it cannot be
reciprocated.
For our deliverance is closer to us than it was when we
first came to understand the truth. The fact that our
reward is close should spur us on to greater and greater
love not only for one another, but even for our enemies.
We don't have time to nurse and hold on to grudges. We
don't have time to keep a record of our hurts and the
offences that others have for us. We need a clear
conscience between us and God and leave vengeance to
Him.
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.
The night is nearly over – day is almost here. Let us stop
doing those things that have to do with darkness and let
us put on the armor of light.
Darkness is almost past! The time of confusion is about
to pass away! The time when wrong is king is about to
become history! The day is at hand! The time when we
will know as we are known is upon us! The time when
right will be king is about to begin! Therefore, let us cast
off the way that is perishing. Let us forsake anything
that would tie us to that thought process. Let us have
agape and agapao love. In that way we will be fulfilling
the whole law, we will have put on the breastplate of
righteousness and the helmet of salvation. We will have
the girdle of truth. Our feet will be shod with the
preparation of the gospel of peace. Notice that although
we are to put on the armor of light, our warfare is one of
peace! We are to bring every thought into captivity and
become sons of God. We are to put on the shield of
faith. We are to take to ourselves the sword of the spirit,
that is the word of God! We are to live by every word of
God. And we are to pray always for this is our means of
communication with God, the Commander in Chief. We
are to lay aside every weight and sin that so easily besets
us and run with patience the race that is before us.
Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with
so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the
sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the
race that is set before us,
We don't have time to hold on to a record of debts that
other people owe us. We must be willing to die for those
who have done us wrong, if we would follow in the
footsteps of God!
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.
Let us conduct ourselves honorably, as those who live in
the light of day. We are not to be involved in carousing
and drunkenness, or in immorality and debauchery, or in
quarreling and jealousy.
Remember Paul is writing to the Romans! It was the
natural thing to carouse about, or make merry, and live
one's life as a riot. This naturally involved being drunk,
or the act of reaching that state! It had to do with being
immoral or living one's life contrary to God's standards.
Chambering would mean committing adultery, in Paul's
context here. Wantonness or debauchery means a very
low depth of living in sin. This would come close to and
include Sodomy and living like those of Sodom and
Gomorrah. It has to do with unbridled lust. Strife would
have the meaning of quarreling and fighting as is prone
to happen in places where drunkenness is accepted.
Envy or jealousy rages out of control in such
circumstances and is itself the reason for the quarreling
and fighting that takes place in such a way of life. In
other words, one was not to do as the Romans did when
in Rome or any other part of the world, for that matter!
Rather, Paul said that we were to live our lives honorably
as in the day. Here a figure of speech is being used as
earlier. Day is put for the light of righteousness. Evil
deeds are usually done in the darkness, in the night, or in
a place of seclusion because the light of day makes
known what we do. We are to live our lives as on an
open stage; we should have nothing to hide that could
only be done in the darkness.
John 3:19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the
world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their
deeds were evil.
13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and
drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and
envying.
But clothe yourself with the Master, Joshua, the Messiah
and do not take forethought for the evil cravings of your
flesh, to gratify its desires.
Paul ends this section with the admonition to put on the
Messiah. Put on as a garment, the mind of the Master!
He did not sin. He was perfect. He is the model. He is
the one we must measure up to. Further, Paul said that
we were not to think ahead how we could gratify our
fleshly desires. We are not to dig into God's word to find
a reason that we can hold on to a grudge, or to justify
our position of not forgiving anyone. For if we do not
forgive, we do not love. Only God has the right to
withhold forgiveness. For only He knows when it is
greater love to withhold forgiveness and when it is
greater love to forgive.
Further, we are not to look into the Scriptures and say,
Look at David, he had 20 wives and he was a man after
God's own heart! There are many ways of using the
Scriptures deceitfully to justify our holding on to our evil
thoughts.
There are many ways to provide ahead for sin. But we
are to live as in the daylight, not in the night.
14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for
the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
In this section, Paul shows us that we are to only owe
love, and we are to owe that to the whole world. Our
debt of love will never be paid! He shows us that if we
live by the law of God and fulfill its requirements we will
love all mankind. We will have agape love both for our
brothers where the love can flow back and forth, and we
will have agape love for our neighbor where it can flow
only one way. We are not to expect love in return before
we will give that love.
We are to put on the whole armor of God and to be
clothed with the righteousness of the Messiah. We are
not to live our lives as those who walk in the dark and evil
deeds of this world, but we are to live as those who walk
in the day of righteousness. We are to put off the deeds
and desires of the flesh and put on the mind of the
Messiah who lived a perfect life.
We are not to think about how we can justify our position
and live as a facade of righteousness, but we are to be
genuine in the conduct of our lives.
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Commentaries
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