Before leaving our examination of the text of Romans 13, we really should discuss the remaining verses in the chapter to round out our earlier discussion of the context.
Verses 8-10 discuss the pre-eminence of love, concluding with the statement: Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
Verses 11-14 discuss the imminent return of Christ, and the effect that return should have on our lives. While many see a focus on Christ’ return as somewhat “pie in the sky,” Paul saw that focus as having a very practical effect, changing our behavior in almost every way. It is because of this imminent return that we do not live as others do (which reminds us of Romans 12:2). We do not focus on human desires but “behave decently.” We are to be clothed in armor of light, putting on the Lord Jesus Christ.
These last two sections in the chapter echo the instructions given in Romans 12, reminding us that this section is a unit. We should not rip Romans 13:1-7 out of this context, as if it were a tract someone found and inserted into the book of Romans. As we interpret these 7 verses, we must do so in a way that is concordant with the previous chapter and with the remainder of chapter 13.
Tim, I don’t necessarily believe Paul is saying the return in imminent. I could be wrong, but I have always read this to say.
Rom 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.
(as we might say today, wake up and smell the roses, time waits on no man, unless he is talking to dead people, and we both know what happens when Paul commands dead people)
Rom 13:12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.
(the darkness we once lived in has been replaced by the light, brought by Jesus Christ, we have no excuse to continue to do what we do)
Rom 13:13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.
Rom 13:14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to [fulfil] the lusts [thereof].
( now that we have been shown the light, put aside the sinful life, and follow Jesus)
I believe this advise is as valid today as it was when it was given.
But as you well know, I sometimes get a different message, than others do.
Laymond,
I’m not saying that Paul taught certain things only because he thought Jesus was going to come back soon and would have taught differently if he had known it would be many years later. I just mean that he realized what we all should realize: in the grand scheme of history, the return of Christ is upon us. It’s closer every day.
As you well pointed out, we need to realize that for some of us, the “end of the world” will come sooner than for others. That is, if I get hit by a bus today, that will be the end of the world as far as my earthly life is concerned.
Grace and peace,
Tim Archer
Wow, I agree with Tim. I have always believed that Paul thought the return of Christ was emminent. I really believe he had inspiration and knowledge from the risen lord when he was caught up in the third heaven. He speaks of what he was told and what he saw as unspeakable.
That what he saw he couldn’t put into words. I don’t think that the return of Christ is upon us as most think. I think grace finally completed the work set out by Christ and that the prophetic program that was fortold was stopped and ended. Something better had replaced the prophetic program and it was grace and the offering was given both to the Jew and Gentile. The point of Abraham becoming the father of the Jews, was of course to bring Christ to us. Once it was completed and the offer made to the Gentiles, as there is no difference between Jew and Greek………Why the need for any separation?
heavenbound, said “Wow, I agree with Tim. I have always believed that Paul thought the return of Christ was eminent.”
Well HB , you have a choice to make, either Paul was wrong, or you are.
Good thoughts. I think we have a government mindset. It seems we constantly think of ways to repair it. It would seem Paul was attempting to focus thoughts elsewhere.
Love needs no governmental law, program or agreement. It doesn’t need more or less, left or right.
Laymond: Yes I believe that Paul wasn’t wrong in his thinking. He did not have all the information. What was given to him was progressive revelation. As Paul’s message changed so did his gifts. The gift of healing,
Spiritual knowlege, the knowledge of the mystery, the rapture. All these were given to him for the purpose of changing the hearts of the Jews and the announcement of Grace to the gentiles. One key thing happened that changed everything for him in my opinion was when he asked the risen Lord to take the pain from his side from him, and the Lord replied “my grace is sufficient for thee” The program that was charged to Paul was phasing out. Grace completed the program…..In my opinion.