RSV ~ Romans 13 Notes
Rom 13:1-7 | ISB Notes
Paul touches on the relationship between Church and State, challenging every believer to be a model citizen. Since God is the author of the political order, it follows that allegiance to Christ entails reasonable submission to earthly governments (1 Pet 2:13-17).
Rom 13:1 | ISB Notes
no authority except from God: Scripture teaches that God grants political authority to civil rulers (Prov 8:15; Wis 6:1-3; Jn 19:11). By design, governments provide society with goods and securities that individuals and families could not provide for themselves. Note, however, that the State obliges the obedience of the Christian only when it legislates in accord with divine law. If it oversteps its boundaries and frames laws contrary to the law of God, the believer must resort to civil disobedience and seek to change its laws by moral persuasion or other means. Paul urges us to pray for government leaders in 1 Tim 2:1-4 (CCC 1897-1900, 2238).
Rom 13:4 | ISB Notes
the sword: Paul is alluding to the ius gladii (Lat. âright of the swordâ), the authority of the Roman Empire to administer capital punishment by decapitation. Here and elsewhere Paul accepts that such extreme measures are acceptable if done at the service of justice (Acts 25:11).
â˘Christian tradition asserts that governments have the right to enforce capital punishment for the good of society, eliminating its most dangerous offenders. In modern times, the practice is discouraged in all but extreme cases (CCC 2266-67).
Rom 13:6 | ISB Notes
pay taxes: Financial obligations to the State are consistent with the Christian faith. This and other civil responsibilities have their proper place (13:7) but are subordinate to our supreme duty toward God (CCC 2240). See note on Mt 22:21.
Rom 13:8 | ISB Notes
Owe no one anything: Obligations to governing authorities (13:7) are surpassed by the duty to love othersâa debt that always remains outstanding and is never paid off. Our ability to obey the commandments is possible only by the inward help of the Spirit, who pours divine love into our hearts and makes consistent obedience possible (5:5; 8:4) (CCC 1827).
Rom 13:9 | ISB Notes
The commandments: Paul distills four of the seven commandments of the Decalogue (Ex 20:13-17) into one: love your neighbor as yourself (Lev 19:18; Gal 5:14). Oneâs âneighborâ has the widest possible application and includes enemies (Mt 5:44) and anyone in need (Lk 10:25-37) (CCC 2196).
Rom 13:11 | ISB Notes
salvation is nearer: With reference to our personal judgment as well as to Christâs future return in glory (Heb 9:27, 28; 1 Pet 1:5).
Rom 13:12 | ISB Notes
the night: The present evil age, when death and darkness still pervade the world (Gal 1:4). It is essentially a time for conversion, until the unending day of eternity dawns (Rev 22:5). In the meantime, Christians must be on guard against the devil, protecting themselves with the armor of light (Eph 6:11-17; 1 Thess 5:8).
Rom 13:14 | ISB Notes
put on the Lord Jesus: That is, renew the commitments you made at Baptism, when you were first clothed with Christ (Gal 3:27). One has to flee the occasions of sin that entice the flesh. See note on Rom 7:5.