Romans 13

1. For there is no power but of God. Magistracy, or civil government, is of Divine appointment, and therefore claims our obedience to all its lawful mandates: cp. Acts v. 29. It is supposed that Paul was led to insist upon this point by the existence of some wrong views on the part of the Roman Christians.

2 damnation. Rather, “judgement” (R.V.), and that not only from the magistrate, but from God, whose servant he is.

3. For (the) rulers are not a terror to good works, etc. This is the design and the proper tendency of civil government, although the actual practice has sometimes been the contrary; as it was then under the emperor Nero, who soon afterwards became a terror to all good men, and a cruel persecutor of Christians.

4 for he beareth not the sword in vain. The sword, sometimes carried by the magistrate on his own person, and sometimes borne before him by an attendant, was a symbol of the power of the civil government.

5 for (the) wrath. That is, for fear of the “wrath,” which this minister of God executes.

6 pay ye. That is, “ye pay.” As government is constituted for the benefit of society (“attending continually on this very thing”), “ye pay” the taxes for its support, as ye ought to do (7). The Jewish Christians might especially need to be reminded of this duty, as they probably felt a peculiar aversion to pay tribute to heathen rulers: see Matt. xxii. 17; Acts v. 37. “Tribute” means tax on land or persons; “custom” is tax on merchandise, “Fear” regards the power, and “honour” the rank of others.

9 if there be any other commandment. Or, “whatever other” commandment; especially the ninth, which is omitted here in the best manuscripts.

11. And that, knowing the time. The meaning is, We should do this (i.e., fulfil every duty, and love one another); especially as remembering the flight of time and the nearness of eternity, with its full salvation.

13 honestly. Rather, “decorously.” The word agrees with the figure employed, in which the habits of life are represented as a dress: see vers. 12, 14.

14 put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, etc. “Put on as a garment.” The Spanish version is, “vestios del Señor Jesucristo.” Be habitually clothed in the spirit of Christ (cp. Gal. iii. 27), and do not indulge the desires of your own corrupt nature.

not to doubtful disputations. The clause may mean, “not for judging his doubts,” or, “not for discussing his opinions.” To do this can only disturb his mind, and confirm him in his mistake. In writing to the Christians at Corinth also, Paul touches on this subject; and decides against the rigid views of the weak brethren: see 1 Cor. x. 25-30.