II. Romans Chapter Thirteen Commentary Verses

13:1-5-Let Every Soul to the Higher Authorities Be Subject, for There is No Authority Except from God

YLT TEXT: Let every soul[1] to the higher authorities[2] be subject[3], for there is no authority except from God,[4] and the authorities existing are appointed[5] by God, so that he who is setting himself against the authority, against God's ordinance[6] hath resisted;[7] and those resisting, to themselves shall receive judgment.[8] For those ruling are not a terror to the good works, but to the evil; and dost thou wish not to be afraid of the authority? that which is good be doing, and thou shalt have praise from it, for of God it is a ministrant[9] to thee for good; and if that which is evil thou mayest do, be fearing,[10] for not in vain doth it bear the sword;[11] for of God it is a ministrant, an avenger for wrath to him who is doing that which is evil. Wherefore it is necessary to be subject, not only because of the wrath,[12] but also because of the conscience,[13] for because of this also pay ye tribute;[14] for servants of God they are, on this very thing attending continually; (Rom 13:1-6, Rom 13:1-6, NLT)

COMMENTARY: The Holy Spirit wants us to metabolize the fact that all authority comes from Jehovah God. Our text says that there is no authority except from God: “...there is no authority except from God, and the authorities existing are appointed by God...” (cf.Jhn 19:10-11). Immediately a question arises, does Jehovah God appoint evil (anti-Law of God, anti-spirit of the Law of God) authorities? No. If our definition of evil be allowed, the notion is an oxymoron; but more so, such an appointment would compromise God’s nature, which is holy (“Be Holy”). God, deity, cannot on the one hand claim to be holy, and require others to be holy even as He is holy, and then partner by appointment with the antithesis of holiness —evil —on the other, not least because God is not frivolous, He is consistent. This is axiomatic (“The Alpha and the Omega”). It is clear from Scripture however that God allows evil authorities. [15] Even Satan, the embodiment of evil, is said to be the ruler of the world presently (Jhn 12:31, 14:30, 16:11,Eph 2:2). We can be sure that Satan was not appointed to this position; it is reasonable to think that it was allowed because humankind had broken off with Jehovah God in lieu of Satan at the Fall. And it is not a stretch to think that Satan’s cronies are allowed some measure of authority under cover of the same Fall-umbrella. Now we must address the first part of the text: “...Let every soul to the higher authorities be subject ...”. Here Scripture is quite explicit; there is hardly any room to question the meaning. No provisos are given, no caveats, nothing. One hardly needs to exegete it, it speaks for itself. We will revisit the evil authority discussion just above once more though and ask if the text includes subjection to evil authorities, and the precedent of Scripture in toto requires subjection. We would offer this though to our readers. If we personally were told to do something that violated Jehovah God’s requirements in any way as outlined in Scripture, or told to deny Him, at whatever cost for noncompliance, we would steadfastly beseech our Lord for courage, and strength, and we would set our heels in His power and not do it. Let us move on.

It is God’s business, not ours, to remove the evil ones from His offices—to en masse, or, indiscriminately gun down authorities in satisfaction of some humanly devised program of retribution for injustice/s perceived and/or real is not of God but comes from the evil one—God will and does punish the evil ones. Vengeance is His and His alone (Deu 32:35, Isa 35:3-4, Rom 12:19). Our text in fact reaffirms, and qualifies, this vengeance of God; in the context of our verses, it comes by way of His ministrants bearing the sword: “...so that he who is setting himself against the authority, against God's ordinance hath resisted; and those resisting, to themselves shall receive judgment. For those ruling are not a terror to the good works, but to the evil; and dost thou wish not to be afraid of the authority? that which is good be doing, and thou shalt have praise from it, for of God it is a ministrant to thee for good; and if that which is evil thou mayest do, be fearing, for not in vain doth it bear the sword; for of God it is a ministrant, an avenger for wrath to him who is doing that which is evil...” God has in place avengers for wrath to those who are doing that which is evil. It is a form of the vengeance of God that He warns be left to His doings. But the pendulum swings both ways here, Authority is a ministrant for good, and praise, for those that are doing good. As there is vengeance for evil, so there is reward for good. And fear, the role of (literal) fear of Authority, is here shown to be a metric by which one may personally assess one’s subjection, or not, to Authority, to that which Authority requires and upholds. It is inside all of us, not by accident, this fear, or not, of Authority, and it betrays our walk in the face of Authority: “...to themselves shall receive judgment...” (red font added). To the one doing evil is struck fear, and all manner of attendant paranoia—not a good way of life, even before the sword strikes; and to the one doing good is struck no fear at all, but all manner of attendant peace and normalcy in life prevail. What an avenger, or rewarder, this fear, or not. God is never mocked, not even a little bit. Either those doing evil are struck down by the long Arm wielding the sword, or they might well wish they were struck down, living in the misery of paranoia and fear, peeking around every corner before daring to turn the corner, day in and day out. What a wasted way of life to live like that, constantly in fear. Friend, if that is you living in fear like that, won’t you consider turning it all around by giving up the evil you know you do; by giving yourself over to Jesus Christ, who has peace and normalcy, and so much more in His mind, all good, all intended precisely for your mind, and person, and spirit: “....Wherefore it is necessary to be subject, not only because of the wrath, but also because of the conscience...” (“A Letter of Invitation”). We are praying for you friend.

13:6-10-Compensation to, and Love of, Others

YLT TEXT: for because of this also pay ye tribute;[16] for servants of God they are, on this very thing attending continually; render, therefore, to all their dues;[17] to whom tribute, the tribute; to whom custom,[18] the custom; to whom fear,[19] the fear; to whom honour,[20] the honour. To no one owe anything, except to love[21] one another; for he who is loving the other -- law[22] he hath fulfilled, for, 'Thou shalt not commit adultery,[23] Thou shalt do no murder,[24] Thou shalt not steal[25], Thou shalt not bear false testimony,[26] Thou shalt not covet;[27] and if there is any other command, in this word it is summed up, in this: 'Thou shalt love thy neighbor[28] as thyself;' the love to the neighbor doth work no ill;[29] the love, therefore, is the fulness of law. (Rom 13:7-10, Rom 13:7-10, NLT)

COMMENTARY: God calls for those who benefit from Authority to pay the wages of the ministrants of Authority: “...for because of this also pay ye tribute; for servants of God they are, on this very thing attending continually...” Please notice that our text indicates that these ministrants of God are career ministrants, or certainly very much occupied by the task: “...on this very thing attending continually...”, and as such they must be paid right wages, because there is no other means of income for them, consumed as they are with the daily business of instituting the ordinance/s of God. They must be paid in order to survive and continue their work for God, these career ministrants of God, be they spiritual or secular. Clearly there is a divine system at work in the administration of our God’s authority for the ultimate good of all concerned (Fig. 1). And as is always the case with our God, He requires that we go beyond that which even the Godless know to do—particularly instructive to the Roman Christian recipients of this letter—God calls His people not just to financial accountability, but to spiritual accountability as well; a higher plane: “...render, therefore, to all their dues; to whom tribute, the tribute; to whom custom, the custom; to whom fear, the fear; to whom honour, the honour...”. Consummate pay. And it is a short step from such a spirit of accountability to consummate obedience of Authority, because consummate pay is motivated by (AGAPH) love: “...To no one owe anything, except to love one another; for he who is loving the other -- law he hath fulfilled, for, 'Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false testimony, Thou shalt not covet; ' and if there is any other command, in this word it is summed up, in this: 'Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself;' the love to the neighbor doth work no ill; the love, therefore, is the fulness of law...”. Thus did Jesus, He, very AGAPH Love, fulfill the Law for His neighbors, even us, at Calvary; thus did Jesus, He, very agaph Love, render consummate pay for His neighbors, even us, at Calvary. Thank you great savior God; how good it is that we have you.

13:11-14-Sobriety and Godliness in Self

YLT TEXT: And this, knowing the time, that for us, the hour already is to be aroused out of sleep,[30] for now nearer is our salvation[31] than when we did believe; the night did advance, and the day came nigh; let us lay aside, therefore, the works of the darkness, and let us put on the armour of the light; as in day-time, let us walk becomingly;[32] not in revellings[33] and drunkennesses,[34] not in chamberings[35] and lasciviousnesses,[36] not in strife and emulation[37]; but put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and for the flesh[38] take no forethought -- for desires. (Rom 13:11-14, Rom 13:11-14, NLT)

COMMENTARY: What time is it? Does anybody know? Some do! We Christian brethren do; we know what time it is! It is time to get busy, and stay busy. Busy? How so? Busy as points of light; busy about the business of Salvation, as points of light in our Lord’s absence (Jhn 9:4-5, Luk 1:78): “...And this, knowing the time, that for us, the hour already is to be aroused out of sleep, for now nearer is our salvation than when we did believe; the night did advance, and the day came nigh...” The Dayspring from on High came nigh, did die, for us did die, did fly, did fly, yonder high, did fly, O my, let us try, ever try, for Him, to shine! To shine, to shine; see, thus we shine: “...let us lay aside, therefore, the works of the darkness, and let us put on the armour of the light; as in day-time, let us walk becomingly; not in reveling, and drunkennesses, not in chamberings and lasciviousnesses, not in strife and emulation; but put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and for the flesh take no forethought -- for desires...”.

Praised be your Name blessed Dayspring from on High; please help us to shine down here for you, to shine like you, like Paul, like our Roman Christian brethren of old; we do so want to shine for you, you whom we adore, and love so. Amen.

III. Illustrations and Tables

Figure 1. All Authority comes from Jehovah God.

Scripture Reference Legend

Gen-Genesis	Exd-Exodus	Lev-Leviticus	Num-Numbers	Deu-Deuteronomy	Jos-Joshua
Jdg-Judges	Rth-Ruth	1Sa-1^st Samuel	2Sa-2^nd Samuel	1Ki-1^st Kings	2Ki-2^nd Kings
1Ch-1^st Chronicles	2Ch-2^nd Chronicles	Ezr-Ezra	Neh-Nehemiah	Est-Esther	Job-Job
Psa-Psalms	Pro-Proverbs	Ecc-Ecclesiastes	Sgs-Song of Songs	Isa-Isaiah	Jer-Jeremiah
Lam-Lamentations	Eze-Ezekiel	Dan-Daniel	Hsa-Hosea	Joe-Joel	Amo-Amos
Oba-Obadiah	Jon-Jonah	Mic-Micah	Nah-Nahum	Hab-Habakkuk	Zep-Zephaniah
Hag-Haggai	Zec-Zechariah	Mal-Malachi
Mat-Matthew	Mar-Mark	Luk-Luke	Jhn-John	Act-Acts	Rom-Romans
1Cr-1^st Corinthians	2Cr-2^nd Corinthians	Gal-Galatians	Eph-Ephesians	Phl-Philippians	Col-Colossians
1Th-1^st thessalonians	2Th-2^nd thessalonians	1Ti-1^st Timothy	2Ti-2^nd Timothy	Tts-Titus	Phm-Philemon
Hebrews-Hebrews	Jas-James	1Pe-1^st Peter	2Pe-2^nd Peter	1Jo-1^st John	2Jo-2^nd John
3Jo-3^rd John	Jud-Jude	Rev-Revelation

Works Cited and References

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“Be Holy.”

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Bright, John.

A History of Israel.

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“Case Law.”

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Childs, Brevard.

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Minneapolis: Augsburg Fortress, 1992.

"Early Christendom."

Jesus, Amen.

< http://jesusamen.org/earlychristendom.html >

“First Intermediate Period of Egypt.”

Wikipedia.

< https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Intermediate_Period_of_Egypt >

“First John Chapter One Commentary.”

Jesus, Amen.

< http://jesusamen.org/commentary1jo1.html >

“Forms of Government.”

Wikipedia.

< https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forms_of_government >

Henry, Matthew.

Commentary on Romans Chapter Thirteen.

< http://blb.sc/003MUx >

“Hypnosis.”

Wikipedia.

< https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypnosis >

“John Chapter Three Commentary.”

Jesus, Amen.

< http://jesusamen.org/commentaryjohn3.html >

“Jurisprudence.”

Wikipedia.

< https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jurisprudence >

“Law.”

Wikipedia.

< https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Law >

"List of Suicides."

Wikipedia.

< https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_suicides >

Matthew Chapter Twenty-Four Commentary.

Jesus, Amen.

< http://jesusamen.org/commentarymat24.html >

McGee, J.V.

Commentary on Romans Chapter Thirteen.

< http://blb.sc/003ZN0 >

“New Testament Canon.”

Jesus, Amen.

< http://jesusamen.org/newtestamentcanon.html >

“Old Kingdom of Egypt.”

Wikipedia.

< https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Kingdom_of_Egypt >

“Religious Law.”

Wikipedia.

< https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religious_law >

“Revelation Chapter Thirteen Commentary.”

Jesus, Amen.

< http://jesusamen.org/commentaryrev13.html >

Sandy, D. B. & Giese R.L., Jr.

Cracking Old Testament Codes.

Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1995.

Sherwin-White, A.N.

Roman Society and Roman Law in the New Testament.

Eugene, OR: Wipf and Stock Publishers, 2004.

“The Alpha and the Omega.”

Jesus, Amen.

< http://jesusamen.org/thealphaandtheomega.html >

“The Beatitudes.”

Jesus, Amen.

< http://jesusamen.org/thebeatitudes.html >

“What is Truth?”

Jesus, Amen.

< http://jesusamen.org/whatistruth.html >

Young's Literal Translation.

The YLT is in the public domain.

Notes

(words under study are highlighted yellow)

[1] [Let every] soul [to the higher authorities be subject]-Strong’s G5590. We understand soul in the sense that is applicable to humankind, and so we understand it as the breath of life imparted by Jehovah God to specifically Adam at his creation (Gen 2:7, 2:20-23), which imparted Breath had a twofold quickening nature, that is, unto the physical (earthy, of the fabric of the earth) and unto the spiritual (ethereal, of the fabric of heaven), and is ever since passed along by the foreknown blueprint behind (human) procreation and its staggering diversity. A human soul is distinguished from all living creatures in that he or she through their ancient parents were created in the very image of Jehovah, even He, the very Breath of Life (Gen 1:27).

[2] [to the] higher authorities [be subject]—Strong’s G1849. Literally [higher] powers; authority, also good, is a function of power. The further context bodes well for higher authorities in this sense. The immediate application is this-worldly: kings, princes, governors, judges, police, a boss perhaps, and the like. In the broader biblical context, suzerains might fit here (Babylon [Jer 29:4-7] and Persia [Dan 6:4] for example as concerned Judah; on the other hand, Israel’s non-subjection occasioned its demise by its Assyrian suzerain per God’s intent at that time—Israel and Syria tried to get Judah to join them in that regard “Isaiah Chapter Seven Commentary”]). Authority in the sense of “pundit” is not applicable owing to the context (one does not subject to a pundit for example).

[3] [to the higher authorities be] subject.Strong’s G5293. From hUPO+TASSW. Literally “...as one in order under another...”. To thus behave and function. Verbal usage is present tense (ongoing action in present time), middle voice (as folding back on self), imperative mood (direct address command). Note the implication of the present, middle, imperative combination: ‘...be thus subject today and going forward; bootstrap thyself thus...’. Note how much communicative information the Holy Spirit here directs usward by taxing the plain meaning of the verb “subject” with those three little words present, middle, imperative. Small wonder that He chose Koine Greek to do the communicative heavy lifting in the way of getting His Word between the ears (and into the heart) of His readers.

[4] [no authority except from] God-Strong’s G2316. Jehovah God, the great I AM, and O so many other wonderful names like that (“O, That Name!”).

[5] [the authorities existing are] appointed [by God]-Strong’s G5021. We like ordained in the sense of conferring; conferring some measure of authority in this context.

[6] [he who is setting himself against the authority, against God’s] ordinance [hath resisted]-G1296 We like instrumentality/agency.

[7] he who is setting himself against the authority, against God’s ordinance hath] resisted-Strong’s G436. Literally to stand or set against. Verbal usage is perfect tense, active voice (subject is acting—he who sets against authority in this case), the mood is indicative (which is a statement of fact, a declaration).

[8] [those resisting, to themselves shall receive] judgment-Strong’s G2917. Contextually it is probably best understood as condemnation.

[9] [for of God it is a] ministrant-Strong’s G1249. In the strict sense a servant, of God commissioned, ordained; an extension of God’s Arm down here in the mix. The Arm does what the Head directs it to do. Thus is authority a ministrant, an extension of God’s Arm in the mix.

[10] [if that which is evil thou mayest do, be] fearing-Strong’s G5399. Literal fear; be afraid. Verbal usage is present, middle, imperative. Note how tense (present), voice (middle), and mood (imperative) here paint the plain meaning of the verb. ‘...doest thou evil?, whilst thus doing shake thou and shudder until thou shouldest turn and do good, for the long Arm of God soon cometh right nigh thy way in wrath...’.

[11] [for not in vain doth it bear the] sword-Strong’s G3162. God does not leave His “in the mix” ministrants vulnerable. Sword here means whatever muscle the Arm needs to get the job done. So it shall be while the Church Age continues.

[12] [it is necessary to be subject, not only because of the] wrath-Strong’s G3709. God hates evil, the vehicle of which is Sin, and His wrath is kindled against it (Rom 1:18, 12:19, Eph 2:3, et al.).

[13] [it is necessary to be subject not only because of the wrath, but also because of the] conscience—Strong’s G4893. That sore wine press that so squeezes the unwilling grapes until they burst forth with their best.

[14] [for because of this also pay ye] tribute-Strong’s G5411. See also taxes.

[15] The likes of Nimrod, Pharaoh, Nebuchadnezzar, Saul, Herod, Nero, Pilate, and more modern authorities come to mind here. Only God in the outworking of His good purposes knows why these people had conferred upon them some measure of authority in their day.

[16] [for because of this also pay ye] tribute-Strong’s G5411. See also taxes.

[17] [render, therefore, to all their] dues-Strong’s G3782.What is owed, debt/s.

[18] [render, therefore, to all their dues; to whom tribute, the tribute; to whom] custom, [the custom]-Strong’s G5056; compare toll tax, custom, as paid for a means to an “end-TELOS.”

[19] [render, therefore, to all their dues...to whom] fear, [the fear]-Strong’s G5401. As said earlier, when doing evil, one should fear, as in being afraid, of the authority-ministrants of God, and one should also reverence them—both senses are applicable in this context.

[20] [render, therefore, to all their dues...to whom] honor, [the honor]-Strong’s G5092. Respect, reverence, especially to God’s ministrants, be they sacerdotal, or laity, or secular, or otherwise. We must always remember that those who fill our sacred offices as also our secular offices are, ultimately, ordained by God, and specifically for this reason are they to be feared and honored. If they are lousy ministrants, corrupt and/or worse, it is God’s business to remove them. And He does by and by remove such from their office: secular and sacred history abundantly attests to this. The Bible, for example, is fraught with examples here—Saul and Eli jump out of the pages immediately for example. On the secular side, we used an online encyclopedia to look at the history of world leaders that committed suicide, and the list was exceedingly [and sadly] long, to say nothing of murder by intrigue, or empire collapse, and so forth. Just to be clear on what we mean here: It is specifically Jehovah God who ordains leaders per se for their offices, and it is He who takes them out—all per His wisdom, and follow-on unstoppable execution. This is reason aplenty to honor the objects of this wisdom and execution.

[21] [To no one owe anything, except to] love [one another]-Strong’s G25. AGAPAW—that love which characterizes the very love of God. Verbal usage is present, active, infinitive (please note that the emphasis of this mood in this context is on the “infinite”—such is the love of our God; is that not terrific?!). And such is the love that He lavishes upon us, and desires would characterize our love to Him and to one another.

[22] [for he who is loving the other—] law [ he hath fulfilled]-Strong’s G3551. See also. What is meant here is not just the letter of the Law, but precisely the spirit of the Law (Exd 20:1-7, 8-14, 15-17; cf. Deu 5:6-12, 13-19, 20-21, cf. Jesus-Mat 22:35-40, Mar 10:17-23; consider “The Beatitudes”).

[23] [Thou shalt not commit] adultery-Strong’s G3431. To destroy the intimate marital bond shared with, one’s precious other. Adultery is the, how shall we put it, “in shoe leather antithesis,” of the love of God. ”Adultery,” and “love,” are not interchangeable terms; adultery is not love, and love is not adultery; adultery puts a sham on love, love puts a choker on adultery; adultery is of that unclean thing, Satan, love is of a holy God, Jehovah. Verbal usage is future (that possibility which lies as yet before), active, indicative.

[24] [Thou shalt not] murder-Strong’s G5407.To take the precious life of, another. Verbal usage is future, active, indicative.

[25] [Thou shalt not] steal-Strong’s G2813. To take the precious things of, another. Verbal usage is future, active, indicative.

[26] [Thou shalt not] bear false testimony-Strong’s G5576. To crowbar the precious truth of, concerning, another. Verbal usage is future, active, indicative.

[27] [Thou shalt not] covet-Strong’s G1937. To exude an exceeding craving, desire, yearning, for the precious things of, another. Verbal usage is future, active, indicative.

[28] [Thou shalt love thy] neighbor [as thyself]-Strong’s G4139. See also. This sums it up best (Luk 10:25-31, 32-37).

[29] [the love to the neighbor doth work no] ill-Strongs’ G2556. Detrimental, evil, hurtful.

[30] [the hour already is to be aroused out of] sleep-Strong’s G5258. See also. Spiritual sleep is meant. As though “hypnotized,” even unto worldly ways and unGodly worldviews (ephemeral, finite, now-focus), by the ways of the world and unGodly worldviews.

[31] [for now nearer is our] salvation [than when we did believe]-Strong’s-G4991. See also. In context is meant the second coming of Jesus Christ. With the passage of every day since any-a-one’s Salvation (believing in, coming to faith in, following, Jesus Christ “A Letter of Invitation” for some background), ever closer is the time of our Lord’s return (“Matthew Chapter Twenty-four Commentary”).

[32] [let us walk] becomingly-Strong’s G2156. Just exactly what is understood to be “becoming” here is given by way of the negative in the next few phrases (walk not thus and so).

[33] [let us walk becomingly; not in] revellings-Strong’s G2970. Wild, enduring partying (the plural suggests that a pattern, or, repeated fits of reveling are in view). What of this plural in the context of a letter to Roman Christians (Paul’s Letter to the Romans addresses Roman Christians; it was no doubt written to them to expound the Gospel that he preached, in anticipation of Paul visiting them sometime later [Balchin 211])? As concerning also, the plurals that follow, let us say: ‘...do it once and it is Sin (that is, once is bad enough), unbecoming of a child of God; Sin that must be confessed and turned from (1Jo 1:9, “First John Chapter One Commentary”). Do it twice and again and again and again ...., and it is Sin multiplied, seemingly unrepentant, even more unbecoming, quite unbecoming. Here lies the possibility that Salvation was not realized in the first place. We just mention said possibility because it is real in this context. But dismissing that possibility now, note Paul himself identifying with certain aspects of this “plurals problem” at an earlier time in his life, and how wonderful it is that his (the Holy Spirit) teaching that emerges from those “plurals struggles” in his life plainly centers on the remedial efficacy of the Cross and Jesus the Intercessor (Rom 7:14-20, 21-25, Hbr 7:24-25-the Letter to the Hebrews is commonly attributed to Paul, but there is some internal evidence that maybe someone else may have written it [Balchin 259]; cf. Jesus Jhn 5:24).

[34] [let us walk becomingly; not in] drunkenesses-Strong’s G3178 .Literally intoxication. Again, note the plural.

[35] [let us walk becomingly; not in] chamberings-Strong’s Strong’s G2845. The Greek has it in the plural again. Literally a place to lie down; in context adultery is surely in view. Again, the plural suggests to us a bad pattern.

[36] [let us walk becomingly; not in] lasciviousnesses-Strong’s G766. Excesses, unbridled lusts. Note also the diversity in the repetition suggested by the plural.

[37] [let us walk becomingly; not in] strife and emulation-Strong’s G2054+G2205. Bickering, jealousy motivated probably, or otherwise. It certainly is unbecoming when it happens amongst brethren concerning, imagine, the things of God. We blessed Christians are a team, a team of God and for God, and we must fit and work together seamlessly for Him.

[38] [but put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and for the] flesh [take no forethought – for desires]-Strong’s G4561. The Great Teacher (Rabbi) Jesus introduced Nicodemus to the flesh, putrefied (how unbecoming, amen?)—thus putrefied by its insatiable, wicked desires; thus betrayed by its insatiable, wicked desires—in a discourse in which He elegantly exposed the flesh for what it is on the one hand, and all the while expounded the flesh’s higher-plane counterpart, namely, the spirit, even rebirth of the spirit by the Spirit of God (“John Chapter Three Commentary”).

TOP

I. Introduction

II. Romans Chapter Thirteen Commentary Verses

13:1-5-Let Every Soul to the Higher Authorities Be Subject, for There is No Authority Except from God

13:6-10-Compensation to, and Love of, Others

13:11-14-Sobriety and Godliness in Self

III. Illustrations and Tables

Figure 1. All Authority comes from Jehovah God.

Scripture Reference Legend

Works Cited and References

Notes