The powers that be are ordained of God

In this chapter Paul asks every believer to consider his responsibility to the structures within society rather than, as in chapter 12, to individuals within that society.

The Principle stated, vv. 1, 2: subjection. Rome was given its power in the will of God, for only God can establish or overthrow kingdoms. Therefore, the believer is to be subject to those governmental authorities that owe their existence to God.

The Power vested, vv. 3, 4: the ministers of God. Paul puts into context the purpose for which rulers are instituted. Their duty is to maintain and enforce right and to punish wrong, v. 3. These rulers also have a duty to maintain the welfare of their subjects, v. 4. They are to mete out justice on behalf of God to those who practise evil.

The Purpose stated, vv. 5-7: for conscience sake. We maintain an attitude of subjection by paying our taxes or customs, vv. 6, 7. We show appropriate respect, v. 7. We acknowledge those upon whom the state has conferred distinction, v. 7.

The Prohibition given, vv. 8-10: avoid debt. Be no man’s debtor, v. 8, except in love. The extent of the prohibition is interesting - ‘no man’ and ‘anything’. It is what H. C. G. MOULE describes as ‘a watchful avoidance of the state of debt’. Love should be the only debt that is always owing. A. T. ROBERTSON describes the thought, ‘This debt can never be paid off, but we should keep the interest paid up’!

The Promise of His Coming, vv. 11-14: this life of obedience should be moulded by the fact that the Lord is coming! Although we do not know the exact timing of the event, we should regard it as imminent, v. 11. The night of spiritual and moral darkness is drawing to its close; the daybreak is at hand, v. 12. As in a normal day, we are assured that the night will end and the day will come; we can wait upon the Lord’s return with equal certainty. As Christianity is not a moral and spiritual void, we should take off the clothing associated with the night, and put on the armour of light. Finally, ‘Let us walk honestly’, or, as K. WUEST translates, ‘Let us order our behaviour after a seemly fashion’, v. 13. Do we?