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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadBob Utley You Can Understand the Bible - Romans 13
Verse Commentaries:
Chapter Level Commentary:
FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR'S INTENT AT THE PARAGRAPH LEVEL
This is a study guide commentary ,which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
Read the chapter in one sitting. Identify the subjects. Compare your subject divisions with the five translations above. Paragraphing is not inspired, but it is the key to following the original author's intent, which is the heart of interpretation. Every paragraph has one and only one subject.
1. First paragraph
2. Second paragraph
3. Third paragraph
4. Etc.
CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS TO Rom_13:1-7
A. As Romans 12 dealt primarily with the Christian and his fellow believers (Rom_13:9-13) and others in society (Rom_13:14-14), Rom_13:1-7 deals primarily with the Christian and the civil government. However, there is no contextual division between these subjects. Paul saw them as one. There is no sacred and secular dichotomy. All of life belongs to God. Believers are stewards in every area! The link between these two chapters may be seen in Rom_12:18.
B. Believers' understanding of the place of civil government has been varied. In the OT government develops within the line of Cain (cf. Gen_4:16-22). The tower of Babel (cf. Genesis 11) is related to mankind's attempt at self rule apart from God. The kingship within Israel was meant to be God's reign through divine law and through a designated under-shepherd (the King), but it was not successful because of mankind's sin. Jesus' discussion of the proper place of government in Mat_22:21 and Mar_12:17 is pivotal. It is surprising that Paul does not make mention of Jesus' words in this context (although Rom_13:1-7; Rom_13:11 seem to parallel Mat_22:15-22; Mat_22:39). There is a proper God-given role for government in a fallen world. Often the Apostles were forced into struggling with how to relate to authority, both civil and religious. It proves to be a positive and negative task depending on the actions of the human authority. Paul was both protected and persecuted by government. However, John, in the Revelation, speaks of government as the Great Whore (cf. Revelation 17)!
We must support government unless it violates our Spirit-led consciences or demands ultimate allegiance. Civil order is preferable to chaos (cf. 2Th_2:6-7).
C. This same subject is dealt with in Tit_3:1 and 1Pe_2:13-17.
D. Judaism was a legal religion under the Roman government of the first century. Christianity was considered a sect within it for many years (cf. Act_18:12-16). This afforded legal protection to the missionary movement in these early years. One purpose of Acts was to show that Christianity was not a political threat to Rome. Rome provided an international peace and stability (pax Romana) in which the gospel spread (cf. 1Ti_2:1-2).
E. This passage is intensified in the light of Paul's personal experiences with the authorities. It is also possible that this section was included because
1. of the tensions within the Roman church related to governmental edicts (e.g., restricting Jewish rituals). This may have caused some believing Jews to leave the capital (e.g., Aquila and Priscilla, cf. Act_18:2). In their absence believing Gentile leadership developed.
2. of the tensions in Rome caused by the preaching of the gospel in the large Jewish community of Rome. The historian Suetonius, Life of Claudius 25.2, records that the Emperor exiled the Jews from the capital in a.d. 49 because of recurrent rioting caused by a "Chrestus." This may be a variant spelling in Latin of Christ (Christos).
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be thought-provoking, not definitive.
1. Why was Paul's statement about government so radical to the early Christians?
2. Should Christians be submissive to every form of government?
3. Should Christians be submissive to every legal requirement of government?
4. Does Rom_13:1 teach the divine right of kings?
5. Is Paul breaking new ground theologically or is there a precedent in Jesus' words in Mat_22:21?
6. Is civil disobedience ever justified for Christians (cf. Act_5:25-32)?
7. How does Rom_13:4 relate to the issue of capital punishment?
8. Is the Christian's conscience always right (cf. Rom_13:5)?
9. Based on Rom_13:8, should believers not have credit cards?
10. Does Rom_13:8 speak of our love to other Christians or to all people?
11. Why does Paul use the Decalog as an incentive to New Testament believers?
12. Why would Paul list such terrible sins in connection with believers?
13. How does one "put on the Lord Jesus Christ?"