Bible Chapter Summary
Romans 13 Summary
Obedience to Authorities and Love's Law
Paul commands believers to obey governing authorities ordained by God, as rulers are His ministers executing wrath on evil. Obedience is required for conscience sake and those resisting shall receive damnation. The passage then teaches that love fulfills all the law—commanding payment of taxes and tribute while emphasizing the law is comprehended in loving one's neighbor as oneself. Paul concludes with an urgent exhortation to awake from spiritual sleep, knowing salvation draws near, and to put off works of darkness and put on the armor of light, casting off rioting, drunkenness, and lustful provision.
Key themes
Key verses
Romans 13:1
“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.”
Romans 13:8
“Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.”
Romans 13:11
“And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.”
Romans 13:14
“But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.”
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