ROMANS CHAPTER 13 ROMANS 13:1 Subjection to magistrates enforced. ROMANS 13:7 We must render to all their dues, ROMANS 13:8 only love is a debt we must always owe, and virtually containeth the whole law. ROMANS 13:11 Rioting, drunkenness, and other works of darkness must be put away, as much out of... [ Continue Reading ]
WHOSOEVER THEREFORE RESISTETH THE POWER, RESISTETH THE ORDINANCE OF GOD: these words are, either an argument to enforce the subjection enjoined in the former part of the foregoing verse; q. d. You may not resist; therefore, you must be subject: or else, they are an inference from the latter part of... [ Continue Reading ]
This verse contains a further argument for subjection to the higher powers, and it is taken from the benefit thereof, or from the end of magistracy, which is for the punishment of evil, and the encouragement of good works: see 1 PETER 2:14. When he says, that RULERS ARE NOT A TERROR TO GOOD WORKS, h... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR HE IS THE MINISTER OF GOD TO THEE FOR GOOD: q.d. That is the end of his office, and for this reason God hath invested him with his authority. The Scripture applieth the same title to him that preacheth the word, and to him that beareth the sword; both are God's ministers, and there is one common... [ Continue Reading ]
q.d. Seeing things are so as I have said; that magistracy is of God, that it is his ordinance, that it is for the benefit of mankind, and that it is armed with the sword; therefore there is a necessity of subjection, and that for a double reason: first, from fear of wrath, or punishment from the mag... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR THIS CAUSE, i.e. in token, or in testimony, of that subjection you owe to magistracy, PAY YE TRIBUTE: the word is plural in the original, and thereby is intended all taxes and burdens, which are legally and customarily imposed. FOR THEY ARE GOD'S MINISTERS, ATTENDING CONTINUALLY UPON THIS VERY T... [ Continue Reading ]
This verse concludes his discourse about the civil powers. When he saith: RENDER TO ALL THEIR DUES, he doth not mean all men, but all magistrates, whatever they be for quality, either good or bad; or whatever they be for degree, either supreme or subordinate. Render to them their dues; i.e. whatever... [ Continue Reading ]
Having treated of special duties belonging to superiors, he now comes to that which is more general, and belongs to all. OWE NO MAN ANY THING; neither your superiors, nor your equals and inferiors; render and pay to every person what is due to him, let his rank and quality be what it will. BUT TO LO... [ Continue Reading ]
This verse proves that love is the fulfilling of the law. It is done by an induction or enumeration of the particular precepts of the second table. The fifth is not mentioned, because the Jews made that commandment a part of the first table; so some: or because he had treated before of duty to the h... [ Continue Reading ]
This verse is an argument to prove what was proposed, ROMANS 13:8. It may thus be formed: That which _worketh no ill, _ or doth no hurt to our _neighbour, _ fulfilleth the law: but LOVE WORKETH NO ILL TO HIS NEIGHBOUR; ERGO. That this is the property of love, see 1 CORINTHIANS 13:4,5. When he saith,... [ Continue Reading ]
AND THAT; or, moreover; the speech is elliptical, something must be understood, as, I say, or add: q. d. Unto this exhortation to Christian love, I further add what follows. KNOWING THE TIME; i.e. considering it is a time of great trial, or time of gospel light. NOW IT IS HIGH TIME TO AWAKE OUT OF S... [ Continue Reading ]
THE NIGHT IS FAR SPENT, THE DAY IS AT HAND: some, by _night_ and _day, _ do understand the night of Jewish persecution and the day of deliverance and salvation; see HEBREWS 10:25. Others, by _night, _ understand the time of ignorance and infidelity; this, he says, _is far spent, _ or for the greates... [ Continue Reading ]
LET ITS WALK HONESTLY, AS IN THE DAY: q.d. Let us behave ourselves decently, and with a holy shamefacedness, as becomes those to whom the grace of God, and the glorious light of the gospel, hath appeared. This honest walking is expressed by three adverbs in TITUS 2:12; i.e. _soberly, righteously, go... [ Continue Reading ]
PUT YE ON THE LORD JESUS CHRIST; he exhorted, ROMANS 13:12, to _put on the armour of light; _ now, to _put on Jesus Christ._ This is necessary, for though grace may help to defend, yet it is Christ and his righteousness only that can cover us (as a garment doth our nakedness) in the sight of God. To... [ Continue Reading ]