_CRITICAL NOTES_ Romans 13:1.—Let every one submit to the authorities that are over him. A precept made remarkable by the time in which it was written. πᾶσα ψυχή, every soul; every office-bearer as well as member of the Church. ἐξουσία is authority, distinguished from δύναμις, power or force, and m... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL NOTES_ Romans 13:8.—Augustine says that “love is a debt which is multiplied by paying.” Milton says, “_By_ owing owes not, but still pays, at once indebted and discharged.” The debt of love can never be fully discharged. Romans 13:9.—Love to God and love to man said by the Jews to be the... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL NOTES_ Romans 13:11.—Because we know the time, let us fulfil the law by love. We have been in the dark, but let us awake with the light. ῦπνου, deep sleep; dreams of the present time. Physical death. Spiritual stupor. The image of death. As χρόνος is duration of time, so καιρός is definit... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL NOTES_ Romans 13:12. NIGHT.—Time of Mosaic law, previous to Christ’s first coming. Time of ignorance of God. The whole of life in this world, in comparison with the kingdom of glory. Night the heathen condition of Rome. Consummated triumph over the night of evil. Armour consisting in the... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL NOTES_ Romans 13:13.—εὐσχήμων, beautiful and symmetrical. Banquets, drinking feasts. Noisy crowds of drunken men ran dancing and singing through the streets. Lascivious banquets. Romans 13:14. BE CLOTHED.—Exhibit Him both before men and God, both outwardly and inwardly. Put Him on, so th... [ Continue Reading ]