Romans 13:8-10

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 13:10

Verse 10 10.Love doeth no evil to a neighbor, etc. He demonstrates by the effect, that under the word love are contained those things which are taught us in all the commandments; for he who is endued with true love will never entertain the thought of injuring others. What else does the whole law forbid, but that we do no harm to our neighbor? This, however, ought to be applied to the present subject; for since magistrates are the guardians of peace and justice, he who desires that his own right... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 13:1-8

From admonitions to keep peace, if possible, with all men, whether or not within the Christian circle, and to act honourably and benevolently towards all, the apostle now passes to the duty of Christians towards the civil government and the laws of the country in which they lived. It is well known that the Jews were impatient of the Roman dominion, and that some held it to be unlawful, on religious grounds, to pay tribute to Caesar ( Matthew 22:17 ). Insurrections against the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 13:8-10

From specific admonitions on this subject, the apostle passes naturally to the principle which, in these regards as well as others, should inspire all our dealings with our fellow-men . Owe no man anything, but to love one another : for he that loveth another (literally, the other, meaning the same as his neighbour ) hath fulfilled law . νόμον here is anarthrous, denoting law in general, not the Mosaic Law in particular, though the instances of transgression that follow are from... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 13:8-10

Love and law. To the unthinking, and at first sight, there seems a contradiction between law, which expresses authority, and is sanctioned by force, and love, which is spontaneous, and is of the heart. Christ himself, however, brought the two into harmony when he said, "If ye love me, keep my commandments;" and the apostle, in this passage, shows that, really and essentially, the two are one. I. THE TRUE PRINCIPLE OF SOCIAL LIFE IS LOVE . The new commandment which... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 13:8-10

Christian righteousness. We here pass from public to private relations. Still in the civic sphere, viewing men as men, not as Christian brethren. And reminded by thought just advanced, the thought of tribute, custom, etc., as being "due" to those in power, that there are dues also which we owe each one to his neighbour. And it is of the very essence of justice that we "render to all their dues;" or, in the words of the eighth verse, that we "owe no man anything." Here, then, we may... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 13:8-10

Love, the fulfilment of the Law. The Lord's Prayer speaks of forgiving "our debtors." But it is the bounden duty of every man to strive to discharge his pecuniary obligations, otherwise he is guilty of living contentedly on stolen goods. The command, "Owe no man anything," if obeyed, would hinder many a bankruptcy and prevent many a business scandal. The apostle proceeds, with one of his skilful turns of thought, to speak of that debt which never can be entirely liquidated—a debt under... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 13:8-14

Christ-likeness. From citizenship, which is disposed of in the preceding verses, the apostle passes on to the Christian spirit as manifested in neighbourly relations. He here enters into the very spirit and essence of God's law, showing it to be love. And here we have— I. THE DEBT WHICH CAN NEVER BE DISCHARGED . ( Romans 13:8 .) We may pay all other debts, and should owe no man anything; but love is a debt that can never be discharged, an obligation which abides, a... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Romans 13:8

Owe no man anything - Be not “in debt” to anyone. In the previous verse the apostle had been discoursing of the duty which we owe to magistrates. He had particularly enjoined on Christians to pay to “them” their just dues. From this command to discharge fully this obligation, the transition was natural to the subject of debts “in general,” and to an injunction not to be indebted to “any one.” This law is enjoined in this place:Because it is a part of our duty as good citizens; and, Because it... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Romans 13:9

For this - “This” which follows is the sum of the laws. “This” is to regulate us in our conduct toward our neighbor. The word “this” here stands opposed to “that” in Romans 13:11. This law of love would prompt us to seek our neighbor’s good; “that” fact, that our salvation is near, would prompt us to be active and faithful in the discharge of all the duties we owe to him.Thou shalt not commit adultery - All the commands which follow are designed as an illustration of the duty of loving our... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Romans 13:10

Love worketh no ill ... - Love would seek to do him good; of course it would prevent all dishonesty and crime toward others. It would prompt to justice, truth, and benevolence. If this law were engraved on every man’s heart, and practiced in his life, what a change would it immediately produce in society! If all people would at once “abandon” what is suited to “work ill” to others, what an influence would it have on the business and commercial affairs of people. How many plans of fraud and... read more

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