ROMANS CHAPTER 13:1-8 with JSM notes (A.D. 60) HONOR AUTHORITY LET every soul be subject unto the higher powers (refers to Human Government). For there is no power but of God (refers to the fact that God has ordained Government): the powers that be are ordained of God (refers to Human Government being a permanent institution, brought into being by God for the regulation of human affairs). 2 Whosoever therefore resists the power, resists the Ordinance of God (anarchy is not of God): and they who resist shall receive to themselves damnation (the Law of the Land is always to be obeyed, providing it does not offend our conscience or the Word of God; the “damnation” mentioned here does not necessarily refer to such coming from God, but rather from men). 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil (concerns the Divine right of Government to oppose crime and to protect its citizens). Will you then not be afraid of the power? (This means that Civil Government should be respected, and all should fear breaking the Law.) do that which is good, and you shall have praise of the same (refers to obeying the Law, as all Christians ought to do; as well, it assumes that the Laws are right and just): 4 For he (the Civil Magistrate) is the minister of God to you for good (proclaims Government as a Divine Institution). But if you do that which is evil, be afraid; for he bears not the sword in vain (the sword is the symbol of the right of the State to inflict Capital punishment for Capital crimes): for he is the minister of God (not a Preacher of the Gospel, but a servant of the State), a revenger to execute wrath upon him who does evil (proclaims the right of the State, as ordained by God, to use whatever force is necessary to stop “evil,” i.e., crime). 5 Wherefore you must needs be subject (plainly tells us that Christians are subject to the Law of the Land; that is, if it does not violate the Word of God), not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake (refers to the fact that the Believer has a higher principle than that of the unbeliever). 6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also (refers to the paying of taxes): for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing (refers to public servants). 7 Render therefore to all their dues (means that it is proper and right for all people to pay taxes, Christians as well!): tribute to whom tribute is due (refers to that which is owed, and should be paid); custom to whom custom (addresses hidden taxes, which we should pay as well); fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour (Government is an Institution to be respected, extending to all Civil servants from the lowest to the highest). PUBLIC RELATIONSHIPS 8 Owe no man any thing (carries the idea that Christians do not “owe” their Brethren in the Lord the same obedience that is owed Civil Rulers), but to love one another (proclaims the only requirement between Believers): for he who loves another has fulfilled the Law (pertains to what the Law of Moses intended, but wasn’t able to bring about; it can be done under Christ, and Christ Alone). ~JSM notes
Posted on: Wed, 17 Sep 2014 16:17:23 +0000
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