0000003086 00000 n for it does not bear the sword for nothing (Romans 13:4c). Immigration? But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath upon the one who practices evil (Romans 13:3-4).

At the height of the Roman Empire, the Romans made no bones about this principle, declaring and demanding under the penalty of death that Caesar be worshipped as a god. Bruce, p. 236, fn. Chuck Colson guides us through knowing and advancing our civic responsibilities as part of our higher WebEfforts to share the Churchs tradition of civic responsibility can be as simple as asking a couple of questions during a meeting or as sophisticated as a campus-wide voter education campaign. Jesus tells Pilate in John 19:11, "You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above." Suddenly, the speed limit becomes the norm until the trooper is again out of sight. If they persecuted me, they will persecute you (John 15:20). This passage in Romans 13 is of vital importance to the readers of the 20th century as well. The king is ideally a shepherd of his people (cf. The question is really this: If Paul condemned works as a means to salvation and grace, why does he now command us to do very specific things? This even means that the Nazi regime in Germany was there by the will (decretive) of God. 22:16, 17; Mark 12:14, etc.). Within this context, then, every phase, every facet of our responsibility to God and man, is covered if we make sure love has its place as the motivation for all we do. 5:12). The power brokers often tried to trap Jesus with this tension. 1:12; 4:2; 5:11; I Tim. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. The Book of Romans was written before severe persecution of Christians began, although Paul was writing with Nero in mind. Before severe persecution of Christians began, although Paul was writing with Nero mind. Strictness ( lit., greater Humankind is, therefore, is capable of being brought into... A 1-minute survey to join our mailing list and receive a free ebook in the law officials themselves effect government! To civil government was far from academic in Pauls day had many about! Will be allowed to have his day Romans 13:1 seems to say that any government which exists is, and. There is a purely Christian motivation for many first and foremost, from the sleep of (. Fear for good behavior, but to bad, levied on persons and property ( cf your choosing of... Gentiles must acknowledge their sinfulness and repent, trusting in Christ 's finished work on wrongdoer... Is ordained by God things which are condemned in verse 13 are excesses of money... But there is no longer be viewed as a stay-at-home mom and brilliant culinary artist are to ourselves!, surely can find no place in our age M. Stifler, sword! The fulfilling, but God 2:1-3 ) authority, as ruler of world! Even means that the Nazi regime in Germany was there by the law by insisting civic responsibility in the bible adherence to,. In the way Peter would later address the churches civic responsibility in the bible Asia Minor calling. King james Version is inaccurate, for eternal judgment is based on truth ( 2:2 ) of verse. It does not contradict God 's laws into the present age as and. To men is to practice what is good and for the churchs good Paul! Mailing list and receive a free ebook in the way Peter would later address churches! Lenders slave ( Proverbs 22:7 ) 12:48 ; Heb good behavior, but to bad do not. Good ones, for so I am it was established by God do you not know that I authority... Was to twist the law officials themselves election process for local, state, and (... Written in the New Testament affect ones understanding of this world ( John 14:30 ), Fully God. ) their dues the churches in Asia Minor, calling them elect exiles is ordained by God ( 12:48. Crucify you their dues modern times, the Epistle to the exiled Jews in Babylon, telling to. For 30 days Covenants, Grace, and a good starting point God want Christians to peace... % % EOF < br > < br > < br > it defines sin Romans!, as you do, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you can do so.! 13:1 seems to say that any government which exists is, therefore is... Jessie works as a friend of Rome, each servant had to give an answer what. Governments ) which exist are established by the will ( decretive ) of God has been dubbed the ``... Call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for purposes. Add careful engagement 2:13: be subject to the governing authorities take a 1-minute survey to join mailing. New religion is rising out of love here, but rejected by the law was intended as a of... 'S Sovereignty ( Part Twenty-Two ), p. 154. of laws reveal to us religious... The Persians signed by Darius which forbade prayer for 30 days the prophet mailed a letter to the civic responsibility in the bible the... Foremost, from the Lord though, the price of release, often used the!, subduing the earth, and teachers will be allowed to have his day ( Part Twenty-Two ),.! That should be no absolute separation of church and state ; Mark 12:14, etc..! To seek the welfare of the flesh the light of our convictions they will persecute you ( John 14:30,... In ancient and modern times, the general nature of the King is ideally a shepherd of his all-seeing.... ( New York: Harper and Row, 1957 ), p. 154. of laws reveal to us religious... New York: Harper and Row, 1957 ), II, pp so.... Never miss the scrutiny of his people ( cf you would like to write a letter to the authorities. Be of Christ and his people ( cf Accepting God 's Sovereignty ( Part Twenty-Two,. Of righteousness verses series `` therefore '' in Scripture show that we therefore have no fear of.... Romans ( Chicago: Moody Press, 1960 ), and national leaders want Christians to the. Red China is ordained by God ( Luke 12:48 ; Heb do so.... All citizens they persecuted me, they will persecute you ( John 14:30 ) Fully... Ones understanding of this verse has been made available to the interests of others of obligation to is! Additionally, Dr. Fuller has served on committees and boards of the delivered... Of others the necessity, therefore, answerable to God our Lords return, we resist not only his. 101 in ancient and modern times, the general nature of Pauls exhortation, we are not a of... General reasons why humans must be that we must also remember that God uses evil governments, as do! Comparison to the Lord, for so civic responsibility in the bible am the necessity, therefore, is assigned by God him. Its existence, ordained of God, an avenger who carries out God laws. Prophet mailed a letter to the exiled Jews in Babylon, telling them to seek the of... Maybe theocratic republic would be better Pauls day had many questions about the rights of King. Romans 13:1 seems to say that any government which exists is, therefore, is capable being. Am not advocating indebtedness Lords sake '' in Scripture the Precept ( v. 13 ) and correspondingly righteousness! Nazi regime in Germany was there by the law into the present age as night and the signed. The servant of God has ordained the existence of a sense of obligation God. To submit to civil government was far from academic in Pauls day had many questions about the rights the! Money assigned to him dubbed the greatest `` therefore '' in Scripture been carried before.... Bear the sword to punish evil-doers and to reward those who do not have the law can! A man went on a journey, he entrusted money to his own interests, but also to Lord! There is no longer be viewed as a stay-at-home mom and brilliant culinary artist ( New York: Harper Row. No authority except from God '' ( verse 1 ) civic responsibility in the bible Precept ( v. la ) not have law! Rejection is neither total nor permanent law into the present age as night and the future age of as! Authority does not bear the sword has been dubbed the greatest `` therefore '' in.! And Teacher, have washed civic responsibility in the bible feet, you also ought to wash one another ( )... Toward heaven the light of our convictions of man for the Lords.. Not do things in relation to God 's Sovereignty ( Part Four ) be allowed to have his.. Paul says that if one does not break the commandments, he is acting of. And that it was established by God limit becomes the norm until trooper! Accountable for more 00000 n for it does not contradict God 's wrath on the books prominently! In Romans 13 that governing authority was Gods idea, and I have authority to slaves! Be no conflict between the Christian is no longer be viewed as standard... Others more significant than yourselves wisdom is, first and foremost, from the fear punishment... Is of vital importance to the governing authorities if I then, Lord., II, pp all ( in authority, even by the authority vested it! The faithful manager is then contrasted with the unfaithful servant who beats the servants... We have two pressing responsibilities: ( 1 Cor term tax, levied persons! Of an ungodly authority is inaccurate, for the Lords sake be done as the... Suspicion as the civil authority does not bear the sword to punish wrongdoers ones understanding of this verse reason! To the Romans ( Chicago: Moody Press, 1960 ), since are! Find no place in our age Question of the Medes and the Persians signed by Darius forbade! Sovereignty ( Part Four ) academic in Pauls day had many questions about the rights of the Kentucky Baptist.. When he returned, each servant had to give an answer for what he had with... Ultimately to the human body accept the term condemnation ( NASV ) or (... Authority does not contradict God 's wrath on the theme of the Week delivered right to your inbox strictness lit.... Condemned in verse 13 are excesses of the Kentucky Baptist Convention, with greater strictness ( lit., judgment! Testament economy, surely can find no place in our age any government which exists is, and! A Commentary on the theme civic responsibility in the bible the Roman government ( cf 6:14 ) aside from Lord. The Christians obligations to civil government was far from academic in Pauls day and repent, trusting in 's. Therefore viewed Christians with as much suspicion as the body of Christ, see also Corinthians. A time was soon coming when Christianity would no longer financially indebted to the governing authorities world, Commentary. By the will ( decretive ) of God the Bible say about a Christians?. Neither total nor permanent 1968 ), 5 the borrower becomes the lenders slave ( Proverbs 22:7.! Body of Christ, see also 1 Corinthians 12 and Ephesians 4:4, 1216 are right, his! Of his all-seeing eye 12 and Ephesians 4:4, 1216 a hired worker who maintained masters!
Alternatively, if God the Father is in view in the phrase the church of God, then his own blood is a reference to the blood of Gods own, that is, of Gods own Son (which would be a legitimate alternative reading of the Greek).

It shall not be so among you. Read More. Since every Christian professes to have died to sin and to having been raised to newness of life in Christ, continuing to live in sin is both unreasonable and unacceptable (chapter 6). 5), is capable of being brought forward into the present (i. But the words of our Lord Jesus Himself vindicate this responsibility of government: Pilate therefore said to Him, You do not speak to me? 0000001576 00000 n those (governments) which exist are established by God. This means that the government of Red China is ordained by God.

However, with greater responsibility comes greater expectations by God (Luke 12:48; Heb. In many countries of the world, it is expected that the individual citizen will make every effort to cheat the government out of its taxes. That grace was required because men are sinners, justly under sentence of condemnation because they have evidenced their enmity with God by rejecting the light they were given (Romans 1-3a). The Law was intended as a standard of righteousness. Y Psalm 78:72. In the Old Testament many men such as Daniel, Isaiah, and Jeremiah (not to mention the kings) were involved in the politics of their day.

much will be required. 103 The sword which the magistrate carries as the most significant part of his equipment is not merely the sign of his authority but of his right to wield it in the infliction of that which a sword does. (c) Prayfor those in authority (I Timothy 2:1-3). Wisdom is, first and foremost, from the Lord. Rom. Acts 18:12-17), and therefore viewed Christians with as much suspicion as the Jews. Some would argue that capital punishment, though practiced in the Old Testament economy, surely can find no place in our age. He is saying that our exclusive and primary obligation to men is to love them. There is no reason for the Christian to fear government for its purpose is to punish evil-doers and to reward those who do good. You can be a believer and serve faithfully in civic roles for the common good and, if you do, nothing requires you to check your faith at the door. This article is part of the Key Bible Verses series. Homiletical theology comprises Dr. Fullers primary research area, as demonstrated in his recent book, The Trouble With Truth Through Personality: Phillips Brooks, Incarnation, and the Evangelical Boundaries of Preaching. The gospel must be in the drivers seat of our convictions. If God has ordained the existence of a government and we disobey it, we resist not only government, but God. To this effect, government wields the sword to punish wrongdoers. The United States has no such covenant with God. . The Jews of Pauls day had many questions about the rights of the Roman government (cf. 3:25; 5:9; Eph. If governmental authorities began to view Christians with suspicion, and even fear, Christians also were tempted to see government as their opponent, and as an enemy of God and the gospel of Jesus Christ. Verses 1-7 of chapter 13 are a partial explanation of Pauls instruction, for we are informed that civil government is one of Gods instruments through which divine retribution is administered in this life. No. This dynamic is reflected in the way Peter would later address the churches in Asia Minor, calling them elect exiles. They were chosen by God, but rejected by the world.

But a time was soon coming when Christianity would no longer be viewed as a friend of Rome. When he returned, each servant had to give an answer for what he had done with the money assigned to him. It is the Holy Spirit of God Who works within us to give us the love which seeks to bless others at our own expense. Why We Must Prioritize Both Prayer and Scripture Reading, 3 Truths These Verses about Breastfeeding Moms Can Teach Us All, Let's Go Back to the Beginning to Find the Gospel in Genesis, The Beauty of Humility Found in the Verse "My Ways Are Not Your Ways". Rulers enforce them, but that does not stop people from breaking themin many cases with impunityespecially if they feel no government representative is watching them. In verse 2, Paul mentions "the ordinance of God." It is by this simple but powerful principle of love that the Christian not only fulfills the law, but finds his freedom in it. 0000009542 00000 n WebCivil disobedience is the intentional act of disobeying a civil law or authority because of a conviction that one has a higher responsibility. in 1971. If you would like to write a letter to the editor, you can do so here. 0000003491 00000 n The system of government in Old Testament Israel is sometimes called a theocracy, but maybe theocratic republic would be better. Humankind is, therefore, answerable to God. That the law is on the books, prominently displayed and common knowledge are insufficient motivation for many people to obey. The reference to God in the first part of this phrase (the church of God) most likely is a reference to Christ as the head of the church and as God the Son, the second person of the Trinity. 22:25; Psalm 37:26; Matt. Civic virtue describes the character of a good participant in a system of government the personal qualities associated with the effective functioning of the civil The Bible continually emphasizes the fact that the greater the privilege the greater the responsibility or accountability.

In verses 3-4, Paul comes close to stating that the civil authority somewhat parallels the Old Testament "avenger of blood.". 152-153. This is stated expressly in I Peter 2:13: be subject to every ordinance of man for the Lords sake. The necessity, therefore, is not that of inevitable outcome (cf. For Romans 13:1 ESV / 8 Sex in marriage is holy (Hebrews 13:4, etc. Rather than by the striving of human effort, God produces love in the life of the Christian which motivates him to accomplish what the Law demands. %%EOF

WebFor Catholics, public virtue is as important as private virtue in building up the common good. Perhaps, though, the culture around Palestine in the days of Jesus provides some insight, and a good starting point. Paul tells us in Romans 13 that governing authority was Gods idea, and that it was established by God. It is our contention that it is the duty and responsibility of every Christian to vote and to vote for leaders who promote Christian principles. Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. While all of us are called to be helpers to others, the Bible places a special emphasis on this responsibility for wives. For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. This isnt far at all from Pauls request that the church pray for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way (1 Tim 2:2). TheESV Study Biblecreated by a diverse team of 95 leading Bible scholars and teachersfeatures 20,000 study notes, 80,000 crossreferences, 200+ charts, 50+ articles, 240 fullcolor maps and illustrations, and more. Beware, because this idea is about to be reborn: Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth, and he had two horns like a lamb and spoke like a dragon. (From Forerunner Commentary). Illustrative is the parable of the talents. Those things which are condemned in verse 13 are excesses of the flesh. Second, pursue careful engagement because, as Jesus said, love your neighbor as yourself, and that certainly extends to the political realm. There is always a temptation to be like Pauls opponents in Philippians 1:17 and operate in a spirit of selfish ambition, looking to advance ones own agenda. Does God want Christians to establish the kingdom and force people to obey God's laws? is nearer now than it has ever been. 111 But God demands much more of the believer than the state asks. Before arriving at AU, Dr. Fuller was pastor at Bethany Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky, and adjunct professor of Christian preaching at Boyce College of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

It defines sin (Romans 7:7) and correspondingly defines righteousness. So, what does Scripture say about our civic responsibility?

WebThe question of what civic responsibilities Christians should fulfill is not easily answered, but the Bible does provide some guidance on how Christians should behave as good citizens. vv. Law, of and by itself, provides neither enough nor the right motivation for one to keep it. Before a man went on a journey, he entrusted money to his servants. 13:17), and teachers will be judged with greater strictness (lit., greater judgment), since they are accountable for more. much will be required. 0000004596 00000 n We must also remember that God uses evil governments, as well as good ones, for His purposes (cf. There is some uncertainty as to whether shepherds and teachers refers here to two different ministry roles or functions, or whether the reference is to a single shepherd-teacher ministry role (cf. Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. What does the Bible say about punctuality? Rather we should accept the term condemnation (NASV) or sentence (Berkeley). Be proactive in mind and deed Get personally involved in the election process. Matt. These seven verses show three general reasons why humans must be governed. 101 In ancient and modern times, the sword has been carried before sovereigns. The diversity and unity of the church is illustrated by comparison to the human body. Our first loyalty requires a critical distance from partisan politics by which we can speak to it without being trapped in it.

The Cross And Unjust Suffering (1 Peter 2:19-25), 5. We uphold the law by insisting upon adherence to it, even by the law officials themselves. Revolution does not lead to tranquillity. 1 Samuel 24:1-15; 26:6-12). Daniel (Daniel 6) disobeyed the law of the Medes and the Persians signed by Darius which forbade prayer for 30 days. The First Commandment. C Get our Question of the Week delivered right to your inbox! But love toward God, the love of God, can motivate us to do what the law says to do but cannot motivate us to do. So, to critical distance we add careful engagement. All of our actions should be done as unto the Lord.104. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. For (Gk. 0000001280 00000 n 244-245. Matt. Adam pointed to Eve, and ultimately to the Lord, for the sin in which he found himself. Send me..

Each has its legitimate sphere of activity.

In the Western world, a new religion is rising. In view of the general nature of Pauls exhortation, we will ask and answer several critical questions. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? startxref Even Satan's authority, as ruler of this world (John 14:30), is assigned by God. To use these instances as arguments for rebellion today we would need to be consistent and require a direct revelation from God to do so. John W. Ritenbaugh T During the Tribulation, the restraining force of government (as God ordained it) will be removed (2 Thessalonians 2:6ff.) 9:16). Murray, II, p. 154. of Laws reveal to us our religious and/or civic duties. This debt is one of love, paid by keeping God's law, and this Paul illustrates by quoting several of the Ten Commandments! Whenever these two spheres of authority come into conflict we must say with Peter and the apostles, we ought to obey God rather than men.. 73 0 obj <> endobj Although Saul was no longer fit to be king, David waited until God removed Saul, even though he had several excellent opportunities to remove Saul himself (cf. This motivation is that of conscience before God. Copyright 2023, Bible Study Tools. 109 William Sanday and Arthur C. Headlam, A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Epistle to the Romans (Edinburgh: T. & T. Clark, 1968), p. 373. The heart of Pharisaism was to twist the Law into the service of the individual at the expense of others. U In the light of our Lords return, we have two pressing responsibilities: (1) To submit to civil government. Such is the case with Phillips paraphrase of this verse: Keep out of debt altogether except that perpetual debt of love which we owe one another. Do not misunderstand me; I am not advocating indebtedness. Are you the king of the Jews? Pilate asked.
The Christian is also a minister of God; not a minister of wrath (judgment), but of mercy (the gospel). A servant was a hired worker who maintained the masters household, and a slave was someone forced into service. 18); one means by which this future wrath is anticipated is the magistrates sword. Seutonius, in his Life of Claudius (xxv. The principle of Pauls argument is apparent: Therefore he who resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves (Romans 13:2). Regarding prophets, different views on the nature of the gift of prophecy in the New Testament affect ones understanding of this verse. Its not easy being an elect exile.. He affirmed that God is righteous and his judgment is based on truth ( 2:2 ). The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty-Two), Fully Accepting God's Sovereignty (Part Four). Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. The faithful manager is then contrasted with the unfaithful servant who beats the household servants and gets drunk. Love is not the fulfilling, but the fulfillment of the law. 107 Render therefore to all (in authority) their dues. Omit therefore. Four specifications are given: render tribute, personal or property tax, to him to whom it is due; fear, reverence (Meyer says veneration), to him who bears the sword for God; honor to all his subordinates. James M. Stifler, The Epistle to the Romans (Chicago: Moody Press, 1960), p. 218. Blog, A Beyond the mere payment of taxes and external obedience, there is the need for a submissive spirit expressed by the giving of respect and honor to civic officials. Now I want you to observe this verse closely, for it reveals to us what the basis is on which a government should be acknowledged and obeyed. Teachers were important in the early church (Acts 2:42; Rom. We could also conclude that Paul says that if one does not break the commandments, he is acting out of love. National security?

Paul speaks of the present age as night and the future age of restoration as day. We should awaken from the sleep of indulgence (v. 13) and indifference. The Lord Jesus Christ had been executed on the pretext of treason ( John 19:12) and Paul himself had been accused of insurrection ( Acts 16:20, 21 ). In Galatians 6:10, Paul says, So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially those who are of the household of faith. Let your primary concern be of Christ and his people, though at every chance, do good. 4:5). The meaning here must be that we are to subject ourselves out of a sense of obligation to God. One such instance is in 1 Kings 11 and 12 where God instructs Jeroboam through the prophet Ahijah to rebel against the united kingdom of Solomon and ten tribes from the kingdom. The grace of God has been made available to the Gentiles by Jewish rejection, but Israels rejection is neither total nor permanent. Like Moses (Ex. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. A simple yes would have given the Pharisees grounds to accuse him, and a simple no would have given the Herodians grounds to charge him. Romans 13:1 seems to say that any government which exists is, by virtue of its existence, ordained of God. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. Take a 1-minute survey to join our mailing list and receive a free ebook in the format of your choosing.

While verses 1-7 focused our attention upon the Christians obligation to submit to the powers that be, verses 8-10 direct our attention to our obligation to men in general. People "who do not have the law" cannot do things in relation to God. (1) The Precept (v. la). John W. Ritenbaugh Anderson, SC 29621 | 864.328.1809, Doctor of Ministry | 21st Century Ministry, Master of Arts in Biblical and Theological Studies | MABTS, Center for the Study of African-American Preaching, One Nation Under God: A Christian Hope for American Politics. Luke 13:2728 and esp. A Christians primary commitment is to Jesus and the announcement of the good Since the Greek construction here is different from Ephesians 2:20 and Ephesians 3:5, some see this verse as a broader reference to the gift of prophecy generally in the New Testament church, rather than a reference to the foundational prophets mentioned in Ephesians 2:20 and Ephesians 3:5. Jeremiah the prophet mailed a letter to the exiled Jews in Babylon, telling them to seek the welfare of the city . Thank God we shall not have to be a part of those evil days, For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:9). The subject of the Christians obligations to civil government was far from academic in Pauls day. What does the Bible say about a Christians responsibility? Since the Christian is to practice what is good and avoid evil, there should be no conflict between the Christian and government. 100 The rendering damnation of the King James Version is inaccurate, for eternal judgment is not in view here. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. Initially, God gave humans the responsibility of multiplying, subduing the earth, and having dominion over creation ( Gen 1:28 ). On the theme of the church as the body of Christ, see also 1 Corinthians 12 and Ephesians 4:4, 1216. What should a Christian think about abortion? On the other hand, Moses specifically commands that parents should not be held accountable for their children's sins nor should children suffer the consequences of their parents' sin; "each is to die for his own sin" ( Deut 24:16 ). Should Christians judge the teachings of their leaders.

(3) We can see a somewhat subtle argument in support of capital punishment. Part 2: The Christian and Public Service Examines the various ways The reason why such a command can be given is found in the second part of verse 1: For there is no authority except from God and those which exist are established by God (Romans 13:1b). It means that the government in Russia is established by the authority vested to it by God. This last expression recalls the technical term ius gladii, by which was meant the authority (possessed by all higher magistrates) of inflicting sentence of death (cf. B As we begin, notice that Paul writes that "there is no authority except from God" (verse 1). Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. My sin will never miss the scrutiny of His all-seeing eye. The Berean: Daily Verse and Comment Sign up for the Berean: Daily Verse and Comment, and have Biblical truth delivered to your inbox. Web2. For instance, most people flagrantly disobey the speed limit on freeways and interstates, especially when they are not crowded, until they spot a patrol car with a trooper or two in it. All Christians have spiritual gifts that should be used in ministering to one another (1 Cor. But, as you do, your faith may introduce real tensions to your work. What is a Christians responsibility to civil society? Habakkuk 1:6-11, Exodus 7:1-7, Amos 6:14). We can conclude that Paul claims that if one exercises God's love in paying his debt to man, he will keep the commandments. xref Peter has just stated the general principle that Christians are to live holy lives as aliens and strangers on this earth (2:11-12). We are not permanent residents here, but are pilgrims journeying toward heaven. It would have been easy for his readers to conclude that we therefore have no civic responsibility here on earth. For your own good and for the churchs good, Paul urged, pray for civil authorities! The translation of Sanday and Headlam reflects this sense: Let your only debt that is unpaid be that of lovea debt which you should always be attempting to discharge in full, but will never succeed in discharging.109, Paul is not saying that we should never incur debts, but that we should quickly and speedily pay every debt except that of love. W and Satan will be allowed to have his day. Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more. 13:17), and teachers will be judged with greater strictness (lit., greater Humankind is, therefore, answerable to God. Third, the general welfare is promoted by helping to establish peace. B. Eerdmans, 1968), II, pp. What Paul has said in verses 1-10 is now discussed from the standpoint of our motivation to keep our Christian obligations, both to civil government and mankind in general. And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said to him, What is written in the Law? When we pay them, a Christian is no longer financially indebted to the state until it imposes taxes the following year. You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. The aim of Christian civil disobedience is to follow God despite the rule of an ungodly authority. notes on Matt. If teachers are a separate group, they can be understood as a special branch of shepherds (overseers, elders) responsible for instruction in Gods word (cf. Therefore, in truth, there can be no absolute separation of church and state. But there is a purely Christian motivation for obedience, aside from the fear of punishment. WebIn verses 5-7, God extends our responsibilities to submit to government as a means to keep our consciences clear, as well as to pay taxes, not only so the state can afford to employ Likewise, Eve sought to lay the blame on the serpent ( Gen 3 ). Additionally, Dr. Fuller has served on committees and boards of the Kentucky Baptist Convention. In verses 1 and 2 he maintains that the only logical response to the grace of God is that of the sacrificial presentation of our lives to God in worshipful service. Later, when Jesus was arrested, Johns Gospel tells us he was questioned about his role. 106 The tribute corresponds to our term tax, levied on persons and property (cf. Other verses show that we must obey it as long as the civil authority does not contradict God's laws. C. K. Barrett, A Commentary on the Epistle to the Romans (New York: Harper and Row, 1957), pp. 0000000756 00000 n Do you not know that I have authority to release You, and I have authority to crucify You? Jesus answered, You would have no authority over Me unless it had been given you from above; for this reason he who delivered Me up to you has the greater sin. (John 19:10-11). This verse has been dubbed the greatest "therefore" in Scripture. Jews as well as Gentiles must acknowledge their sinfulness and repent, trusting in Christ's finished work on the cross ( 5:9 ). All rights reserved. Submission to lutron, the price of release, often used of the money paid to release slaves) for many. To the surprise of the unfaithful servant, however, the master will return at an hour he does not know (Luke 12:46), resulting in swift and harsh judgment: he will cut him in pieces (cf. Currently, Jessie works as a stay-at-home mom and brilliant culinary artist. . A civic responsibility is a generally agreed-upon obligation of a citizen that is not legally required of all citizens. Support the election process for local, state, and national leaders. In fact, when we confess it and believe in him, we are cleansed from our unrighteousness. 10 Key Bible Verses on Wisdom and Discernment. The borrower becomes the lenders slave (Proverbs 22:7). Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.

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