Question 1

What does it mean to be subject to the higher powers in this passage?

Accepted Answer

Being subject to the higher powers means willingly placing yourself under the authority of the people who govern your society. Paul says that “there is no power but of God,” so human governments exist within God’s plan for order. This does not mean every ruler is godly or right, but that the structure of authority itself is God’s gift to keep peace and restrain evil. Christians are called to obey laws, show respect, and not be known as troublemakers, as long as what is asked does not clearly go against God’s commands.

Question 2

Why does Paul call rulers the minister of God and say they bear the sword?

Accepted Answer

Paul calls rulers “the minister of God” because their role is to serve God’s purpose of rewarding good and punishing evil. When he says they “bear not the sword in vain,” he means they have real power to enforce laws, even with serious penalties. This is meant to restrain wrongdoing and protect people. The image of the sword shows that justice on earth is not an accident, but part of how God keeps order in a broken world, even though rulers may sometimes misuse that power.

Question 3

Why are Christians told to pay tribute, custom, fear, and honour?

Accepted Answer

Paul teaches believers to “render to all their dues,” which means giving each person what is rightly owed. Tribute and custom refer to taxes and other public payments. Fear points to respectful obedience, and honour means proper respect for those in authority. Paying taxes and showing respect is not only a civic duty but also part of serving God, because these leaders are described as God’s servants for maintaining order. This attitude helps keep a clear conscience and shows that Christians are not trying to overthrow lawful authority.

Question 4

How is love the fulfilling of the law in this passage?

Accepted Answer

Paul explains that commands like not committing adultery, not killing, not stealing, not lying, and not coveting are all summed up in “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no harm to a neighbor, so when you truly love, you naturally avoid these sins. In this way, love fulfills what the law was aiming at. Instead of thinking of the commandments as a long list, Paul points to love as the heart of how we should treat others in daily life, in our homes, workplaces, and communities.

Question 5

What does it mean that our salvation is nearer than when we believed?

Accepted Answer

When Paul says our salvation is nearer, he is talking about the future, final part of salvation when Christ returns and everything is made right. Believers have already trusted in Christ and begun to be saved, but the full experience of being with the Lord and free from sin is still ahead. Every day brings that day closer. Because of this, Paul says it is time to wake up spiritually, stop living carelessly, and live in a way that fits people who belong to the coming day, not to the fading night.

Question 6

What are the works of darkness and the armour of light here?

Accepted Answer

The works of darkness are ways of living that belong to a life away from God, hidden and shameful. Paul names things like wild partying, drunkenness, sexual sin, and living in strife and jealousy. The armour of light is a picture of a clean, open, honest life that fits someone who follows Christ. To put on the armour of light is to choose what is pure and right, knowing that God sees everything. It is like getting dressed in behavior that matches the daylight, not the secrecy of night.

Question 7

What does it mean to put on the Lord Jesus Christ?

Accepted Answer

To put on the Lord Jesus Christ is to make him your whole covering and identity. It means trusting him, following his ways, and letting his character shape your thoughts, words, and actions. Instead of feeding sinful desires and making plans to please them, you turn your mind and heart toward Christ. You seek to respond as he would, in love, purity, and self-control. This is not just about outward behavior, but about belonging to him and living each day as someone who is joined to him.

Question 8

How should Christians today apply Paul’s teaching about government?

Accepted Answer

Christians today can apply this teaching by obeying just laws, paying taxes, and speaking of leaders with respect, even when they disagree. Paul’s words remind us that order and authority are part of God’s care for society. At the same time, if human commands clearly oppose God’s will, we must obey God first. In normal life, though, believers should be known as good citizens who do what is right, pray for their leaders, and show love to neighbors, instead of stirring up needless rebellion or strife.

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.

Submission to Authorities

Love Fulfills the Law

The Day Is Near

Submission to Authorities

metadata.crossReferences

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.

share.title

share.allVerses

share.verseWithContext

share.currentVerse

Submission to Authorities

Love Fulfills the Law

The Day Is Near

Submission to Authorities

metadata.crossReferences