Bible Commentary

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. 9. For this ] Lit. For the; each … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Romans 13:9”

Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. 8. It is manifest how indispensable to the early growth of the Christian Church these precepts of obedience were. Though their truth is for all generations, whatever may be the phases of political speculation or popular … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Romans 13:8”

Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute [is due]; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor. 7. This and other considerations combine to assure us that the principles of the Gospel, so far from favouring tyranny, tend ultimately to make it impossible. A perfectly Christian nation under … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Romans 13:7”

For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. 6. The passage assumes, of course, that where human law, or its minister, contradicts Divine precepts, (as when a Christian is commanded to do wrong,) then obedience to the Higher Authority must take precedence. Christian officials, … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Romans 13:6”

Wherefore [ye] must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. 5. As regards the special question of despotism, it is treated here not by explicit condemnation, but by the statement of principles which will peacefully undermine its own distinctive principles. It is dealt with precisely as elsewhere the ownership of … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Romans 13:5”

For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to [execute] wrath upon him that doeth evil. 4. The passage by no means forbids Christians to … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Romans 13:4”

For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: 3. The passage distinctly forbids revolutionary action in a Christian. Action within the limits of the existing constitution he may … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Romans 13:3”

Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 2. The passage does not touch on the question of forms of government. “The powers that be” is a phrase which, on the whole, accepts authority de facto, irrespective of its theory, or of its circumstances … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Romans 13:2”

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. Ch. Rom 13:1-7. Christian practice: civil duties: authority and obedience 1. Let every soul be subject, &c.] A new subject is here treated Civil Obedience. It is not isolated, however, … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Romans 13:1”

Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. 21. Be not overcome, &c.] The verbs are in the singular; individualizing the appeal. The verse runs, lit., Be not thou overcome by the evil, but overcome the evil in the good. “ The evil,” “the good; ” that of the evil-doer and the sufferer … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Romans 12:21”