1Let every soul be in subjection to the higher authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those who exist are ordained by God. 2Therefore he who resists the authority, withstands the ordinance of God; and those who withstand will receive to themselves judgment. 3For rulers are not a terror to the good work, but to the evil. Do you desire to have no fear of the authority? Do that which is good, and you will have praise from the same, 4for he is a servant of God to you for good. But if you do that which is evil, be afraid, for he doesn't bear the sword in vain; for he is a servant of God, an avenger for wrath to him who does evil. 5Therefore you need to be in subjection, not only because of the wrath, but also for conscience' sake. 6For this reason you also pay taxes, for they are servants of God's service, attending continually on this very thing. 7Give therefore to everyone what you owe: taxes to whom taxes are due; customs to whom customs; respect to whom respect; honor to whom honor. 8Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. 9For the commandments, "You shall not commit adultery," "You shall not murder," "You shall not steal," "You shall not give false testimony," "You shall not covet," and whatever other commandments there are, are all summed up in this saying, namely, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." 10Love doesn't harm a neighbor. Love therefore is the fulfillment of the law. 11Do this, knowing the time, that it is already time for you to awaken out of sleep, for salvation is now nearer to us than when we first believed. 12The night is far gone, and the day is near. Let's therefore throw off the works of darkness, and let's put on the armor of light. 13Let us walk properly, as in the day; not in reveling and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and lustful acts, and not in strife and jealousy. 14But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, for its lusts.
The Book ofRomans 13Chapter XIII 13
· 14 verses · 2 minute read
About this chapter
Romans 13 — Apostolic Age
Paul — Apostle to the Gentiles, former Pharisee turned Christian missionary. Set in Corinth, written to Rome. Paul addresses how Christians should relate to government authority and civil society. Writing to believers in the capital of the Roman Empire, he explains that governing authorities are established by God and should be respected, even when imperfect. He then shifts to personal relationships, showing that love fulfills all law. With urgency, Paul reminds them that time is short—Jesus' return is closer than when they first believed.
“Romans 13:8”— 13:8
Read when: Read this when you're struggling with how to be a faithful citizen while living for God's kingdom.
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