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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible - Romans 13:1-7

1-7 The grace of the gospel teaches us submission and quiet, where pride and the carnal mind only see causes for murmuring and discontent. Whatever the persons in authority over us themselves may be, yet the just power they have, must be submitted to and obeyed. In the general course of human affairs, rulers are not a terror to honest, quiet, and good subjects, but to evil-doers. Such is the power of sin and corruption, that many will be kept back from crimes only by the fear of punishment.... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible - Romans 13:8-10

8-10 Christians must avoid useless expense, and be careful not to contract any debts they have not the power to discharge. They are also to stand aloof from all venturesome speculations and rash engagements, and whatever may expose them to the danger of not rendering to all their due. Do not keep in any one's debt. Give every one his own. Do not spend that on yourselves, which you owe to others. But many who are very sensible of the trouble, think little of the sin, of being in debt. Love to... read more

Frank Binford Hole

F. B. Hole's Old and New Testament Commentary - Romans 13:1-99

Romans 13 THE EARLIER EXHORTATIONS of chapter 12 had to do with our behaviour in the Christian circle. Then from verse Rom_13:14 to the end we were instructed how to behave in relation to the men and women of the world, it being plainly assumed that we shall find a good deal of hostility in that quarter. As we open chapter 13, we are instructed how to act in regard to the governments and authorities of this world. A very important point this for the early Christians, who were frequently... read more

Paul E. Kretzmann

The Popular Commentary by Paul E. Kretzmann - Romans 13:5-7

Subject for conscience' sake: v. 5. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience' sake. v. 6. For this cause pay ye tribute also; for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. v. 7. Render, therefore, to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom, to whom custom; fear, to whom fear; honor, to whom honor. For necessity's sake the Christians are subject to the government; they feel that they are under obligation;... read more

Paul E. Kretzmann

The Popular Commentary by Paul E. Kretzmann - Romans 13:8-10

The obligation of Christian love: v. 8. Owe no man anything but to love one another; for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the Law. v. 9. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet, and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. v. 10. Love worketh no ill to his neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling... read more

Johann Peter Lange

Lange's Commentary on the Holy Scriptures: Critical, Doctrinal and Homiletical - Romans 13:7-14

Fourth Section.—Proper conduct toward the world in general. Legal fellowship with the world. Recognition of the rights of the world in the justice and also in the strength of love for our neighbor. Separation from the ungodliness of the ancient world (the darkness of heathenism). Universalism, and its sanctification through true separatism.Romans 13:7-147Render therefore [omit therefore]15 to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to... read more

Alexander MacLaren

Alexander MacLaren's Expositions of Holy Scripture - Romans 13:8-10

Romans LOVE AND THE DAY Rom_13:8 - Rom_13:14 . The two paragraphs of this passage are but slightly connected. The first inculcates the obligation of universal love; and the second begins by suggesting, as a motive for the discharge of that duty, the near approach of ‘the day.’ The light of that dawn draws Paul’s eyes and leads him to wider exhortations on Christian purity as befitting the children of light. I. Rom_13:8 - Rom_13:10 set forth the obligation of a love which embraces all men,... read more

Frederick Brotherton Meyer

F.B. Meyer's 'Through the Bible' Commentary - Romans 13:1-7

Rendering “to All Their Dues” Romans 13:1-7 Human government, like the existence of the family relationship, is a divine institution. It is part of the order of the world and rooted in the original conception of the race. It was never intended that we should live as individual units, but as members of family and state. It is evident, therefore, that the authority which is wielded by the ruler expresses, generally speaking, a divine principle. The comfort and well-being of society are better... read more

Frederick Brotherton Meyer

F.B. Meyer's 'Through the Bible' Commentary - Romans 13:8-14

Love Fulfills the Law Romans 13:8-14 The one debt which can never be discharged is love. Because we can never be out of debt to God, we are called upon to show unending love to man. So long as we love we cannot injure; and therefore the man who is always caring for others as much as, or more than, he does for himself (and this latter is the Christian ideal) is fulfilling that ancient law. We resemble soldiers slumbering in their tents while dawn is flushing the sky. Presently the bugle rings... read more

G. Campbell Morgan

G. Campbell Morgan's Exposition on the Whole Bible - Romans 13:1-14

The apostle now showed what attitude the believer will take toward the world. The first thing dealt with is submission to authority. These powers are of God. The believer's submission to the will of God is manifested in the world by his obedience to properly constituted authority. The very statement of the case, however, inferentially reveals another side of the question. The believer subjects himself to the power when he fulfils the true intent of his calling and office. Paul's own case will... read more

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