Romans 13:12
The night is nearly over; the day has drawn near. So let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.
The night is nearly over
This phrase signifies the present age, often characterized by sin and moral darkness. In the Greek, "night" (νύξ, nux) metaphorically represents a time of ignorance and separation from God. Historically, the early Christians lived in a world dominated by paganism and moral decay, much like the "night." The phrase "nearly over" suggests an imminent change, a hopeful anticipation of Christ's return, which is a central tenet of Christian eschatology. This reflects the urgency and expectation that believers should have, living in the light of Christ's imminent return.

the day has drawn near
"The day" (ἡμέρα, hēmera) symbolizes the coming of Christ and the establishment of His kingdom, a time of righteousness and divine truth. In the scriptural context, "day" often represents enlightenment, revelation, and the presence of God. The phrase "has drawn near" indicates the nearness of this divine intervention, urging believers to live in readiness. Historically, this reflects the early church's anticipation of Christ's second coming, encouraging a life of holiness and vigilance.

So let us lay aside the deeds of darkness
"Lay aside" (ἀποθώμεθα, apothōmetha) is a call to action, urging believers to renounce and discard behaviors associated with "darkness" (σκότος, skotos), which signifies sin and moral corruption. This is a metaphor for repentance and transformation, a turning away from the sinful nature. In the historical context, this would have been a radical call for the Roman Christians to abandon the prevalent immoral practices of their society. It is a reminder of the transformative power of the Gospel, calling believers to live distinctively holy lives.

and put on the armor of light
"Put on" (ἐνδυσώμεθα, endysōmetha) suggests a deliberate and conscious action to adopt a new way of living. "Armor" (ὅπλα, hopla) implies protection and readiness for spiritual battle, drawing from the imagery of a soldier prepared for conflict. "Light" (φῶς, phōs) represents truth, purity, and the presence of God. In the scriptural context, light is often associated with Christ Himself, who is the "light of the world" (John 8:12). This phrase encourages believers to embody the virtues and character of Christ, living as beacons of His truth in a dark world. Historically, this would have been a powerful metaphor for the early Christians, who were called to stand firm in their faith amidst persecution and moral challenges.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul the Apostle
The author of the Book of Romans, Paul was a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and theological teachings.

2. The Roman Church
The recipients of the letter, the early Christian community in Rome, which was diverse and included both Jewish and Gentile believers.

3. The Metaphor of Night and Day
Paul uses the imagery of night and day to contrast the present age of sin and the coming age of salvation.

4. Deeds of Darkness
Refers to sinful behaviors and actions that are contrary to God's will.

5. Armor of Light
Symbolizes the righteous and holy living that believers are called to adopt in anticipation of Christ's return.
Teaching Points
Understanding the Urgency
Recognize the urgency of the present time. The "night" of sin is nearly over, and the "day" of Christ's return is near. This calls for immediate action in our spiritual lives.

Rejecting Sinful Behaviors
Actively lay aside sinful behaviors and habits. This involves a conscious decision to turn away from actions that are not in line with God's will.

Embracing Righteous Living
Put on the "armor of light," which means living in a way that reflects God's holiness and righteousness. This involves adopting virtues such as truth, faith, and love.

Living in Anticipation
Live with the expectation of Christ's return. This anticipation should influence our daily decisions and interactions, encouraging us to live in a way that honors God.

Community Accountability
Engage with fellow believers to encourage and hold each other accountable in living out these principles. The Christian journey is not meant to be walked alone.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does the metaphor of "night" and "day" mean in the context of Romans 13:12, and how does it apply to our current spiritual state?

2. How can we identify and lay aside the "deeds of darkness" in our own lives? What practical steps can we take?

3. What does it mean to "put on the armor of light," and how can this be reflected in our daily actions and decisions?

4. How do the teachings in Ephesians 5:8-14 and 1 Thessalonians 5:4-8 complement the message of Romans 13:12?

5. In what ways can we support each other as a Christian community to live in anticipation of Christ's return, as encouraged in Romans 13:12?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Ephesians 5:8-14
Paul also speaks about living as children of light, emphasizing the transformation from darkness to light.

1 Thessalonians 5:4-8
This passage discusses being alert and sober, wearing faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet, similar to the armor of light.

John 3:19-21
Jesus speaks about light coming into the world and people loving darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil.
A Luminous CharacterRomans 13:12
Day At HandJ. Lyth, D.D.Romans 13:12
Preparation for the DayJ. Lyth, D.D.Romans 13:12
Preparation for the DayJ. Jowett, M.A.Romans 13:12
The Armour of LightBunyan.Romans 13:12
The Armour of LightA. Raleigh, D.D.Romans 13:12
The Armour of LightR. Watson.Romans 13:12
The Armour of Light IsJ. Lyth, D.D.Romans 13:12
The DawnAbp. Trench.Romans 13:12
The Departing Night and Coming DayC. Bradley, M.A.Romans 13:12
The Night and the DayEssex Congregational RemembrancerRomans 13:12
The Night and the DayW. Arthur, M.A.Romans 13:12
The Soldier's Morning-CallAlexander MaclarenRomans 13:12
Christ-LikenessR.M. Edgar Romans 13:8-14
A CallJ. Lyth, D.D.Romans 13:11-14
Approaching SalvationJ. Parsons.Romans 13:11-14
Beware of SleepingRomans 13:11-14
Cause for Spiritual RejoicingHomiletic MonthlyRomans 13:11-14
Desidia and AlacritasR. F. Horton, D.D.Romans 13:11-14
Dressing in the MorningC. H. Spurgeon.Romans 13:11-14
High Time to AwakeT. Hammond.Romans 13:11-14
High Time to Awake Out of SleepJ. Parsons.Romans 13:11-14
Knowledge of TimeBiblical MuseumRomans 13:11-14
Knowledge of TimeG. McMichael, B.A.Romans 13:11-14
Preparation for Christ's ComingD. Thomas, D.D.Romans 13:11-14
Present and FutureWeekly PulpitRomans 13:11-14
SleepJ. Beeby.Romans 13:11-14
Sleeping ChristiansC. H. Spurgeon.Romans 13:11-14
The Approach of DayS.R. Aldridge Romans 13:11-14
The Breaking DayJ. Lyth, D.D.Romans 13:11-14
The Christian's Duty in the Present AgeC.H. Irwin Romans 13:11-14
The Dawn of the Great DayW. B. Pope, D.D.Romans 13:11-14
The Day Breaketh!T.F. Lockyer Romans 13:11-14
The Earthly and the Heavenly State of the GoodD. Thomas, D.D.Romans 13:11-14
The Nearness of Salvation a Motive to VigilanceH. Belfrage, D.D.Romans 13:11-14
The Need of Special ExertionJ. Lyth, D.D.Romans 13:11-14
The Peril of SleepT. Davidson.Romans 13:11-14
The Sleeper ArousedW. W. Wythe.Romans 13:11-14
The Wakeful ChristianA. J. Parry.Romans 13:11-14
Time Closing in Upon UsA. Maclaren, D.D.Romans 13:11-14
Time to AwakeH. Melvill, B.D.Romans 13:11-14
Time to AwakeJ. Lyth, D.D.Romans 13:11-14
Timely ReflectionsC. H. Spurgeon.Romans 13:11-14
Wake Up! Wake UpC. H. Spurgeon.Romans 13:11-14
People
Paul, Romans
Places
Rome
Topics
Advance, Advanced, Almost, Arming, Armor, Armour, Aside, Cast, Clothe, Dark, Darkness, Dawn, Deeds, Lay, Let's, Nigh, Ourselves, Spent, Throw, Works
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Romans 13:12

     4811   darkness, symbol of sin
     4836   light, and people of God
     4954   morning
     4957   night
     5209   armour
     5290   defeat
     5612   weapons
     8422   equipping, spiritual

Romans 13:11-12

     2565   Christ, second coming
     5533   sleep, physical

Romans 13:11-14

     5832   desire

Romans 13:12-13

     4921   day

Romans 13:12-14

     5924   quarrelsomeness
     6030   sin, avoidance
     6237   sexual sin, nature of
     7027   church, purpose
     8485   spiritual warfare, conflict
     8486   spiritual warfare, armour

Library
November 23. "It is High Time to Awake Out of Sleep" (Rom. xiii. 11).
"It is high time to awake out of sleep" (Rom. xiii. 11). One of the greatest enemies to faith is indolence. It is much easier to lie and suffer than to rise and overcome; much easier to go to sleep on a snowbank and never wake again, than to rouse one's self and shake off the lethargy and overcome the stupor. Faith is an energetic art; prayer is intense labor; the effectual working prayer of the righteous man availeth much. Satan tries to put us to sleep, as he did the disciples in the garden; but
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

October 25. "Now it is High Time to Awake Out of Sleep. Let us Cast Off the Works of Darkness and Let us Put on the Armor of Light" (Rom. xiii. 11, 12).
"Now it is high time to awake out of sleep. Let us cast off the works of darkness and let us put on the armor of light" (Rom. xiii. 11, 12). Let us wake out of sleep; let us be alert; let us be alive to the great necessities that really concern us. Let us put off the garments of the night and the indulgences of the night; the loose robes of pleasure and flowing garments of repose; the festal pleasures of the hours of darkness are not for the children of the day. Let us cast off the works of darkness.
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
Text: Romans 13, 8-10. 8 Owe no man anything, save to love one another: for he that loveth his neighbor hath fulfilled the law. 9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not covet, and if there be any other commandment, it is summed up in this word, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. 10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbor; love therefore is the fulfilment of the law. CHRISTIAN LOVE AND THE COMMAND TO LOVE. 1. This, like the two
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II

Salvation Nearer
'... Now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.'--ROMANS xiii. 11. There is no doubt, I suppose, that the Apostle, in common with the whole of the early Church, entertained more or less consistently the expectation of living to witness the second coming of Jesus Christ. There are in Paul's letters passages which look both in the direction of that anticipation, and in the other one of expecting to taste death. 'We which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord,' he says twice in one
Alexander Maclaren—Romans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V)

The Soldier's Morning-Call
'Let us put on the armour of light.'--ROMANS xiii. 12. It is interesting to notice that the metaphor of the Christian armour occurs in Paul's letters throughout his whole course. It first appears, in a very rudimentary form, in the earliest of the Epistles, that to the Thessalonians. It appears here in a letter which belongs to the middle of his career, and it appears finally in the Epistle to the Ephesians, in its fully developed and drawn-out shape, at almost the end of his work. So we may fairly
Alexander Maclaren—Romans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V)

Love and the Day
'Owe no man anything, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. 9. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 10. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. 11. And that, knowing the time, that now
Alexander Maclaren—Romans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V)

1 Peter iv. 8
And above all things have fervent Charity among your selves: for Charity shall cover the multitude of Sins. THE Design which I am now prosecuting, obligeth me to take notice of such Passages of Scripture as any professed Christians may, on any Account, be apt to interpret to a very bad Purpose: that is, to the giving themselves Encouragement to hope for God's future Mercy; for the Sake of his Son: even whilst they continue in the habitual Practice of known Sins. And the Words which I have now read
Benjamin Hoadly—Several Discourses Concerning the Terms of Acceptance with God

The Beauty and Excellency of this World Consists, not Only in the Perfection and Comeliness...
The beauty and excellency of this world consists, not only in the perfection and comeliness of each part in it, but especially in the wise and wonderful proportion and union of these several parts. It is not the lineaments and colours that make the image or complete beauty, but the proportion and harmony of these, though different severally. And truly that is the wonder, that such repugnant natures, such different parts, and dissentient qualities, do conspire together in such an exact perfect unity
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Twenty-Seven Articles Respecting the Reformation of the Christian Estate.
Now though I am too lowly to submit articles that could serve for the reformation of these fearful evils, I will yet sing out my fool's song, and will show, as well as my wit will allow, what might and should be done by the temporal authorities or by a General Council. 1. Princes, nobles and cities should promptly forbid their subjects to pay the annates and should even abolish them altogether. For the Pope has broken the compact, and turned the annates into robbery for the harm and shame of the
Martin Luther—First Principles of the Reformation

The North African Church under the Vandals.
THE wild tribes of the Vandals--which, although outwardly professing Christianity, yet, instructed and guided by ignorant and fanatical priests, seem to have had no idea of its essence--overran North Africa, under their cruel and despotic king, Geiserich. A fanatical hatred to the confessors of another form of doctrine (the Vandals being the adherents of Arianism) was united with an insatiable avarice, for which it served as an apology. The depravity of the nominal Christians in the rich cities of
Augustus Neander—Light in the Dark Places

Letter Lxi (A. D. 1138) to Louis the Younger, King of the French.
To Louis the Younger, King of the French. He endeavours to defend the election of Geoffrey, Prior of Clairvaux, to the See of Langres; to which the King had appeared adverse. 1. If the whole world were to conjure me to join it in some enterprise against your royal Majesty, I should still through fear of God not dare lightly to offend a King ordained by Him. Nor am I ignorant who it is that has said, Whosoever resisteth the power resisteth the ordinance of God (Rom. xiii. 2). Nor yet do I forget how
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

A Sketch of the Life of St. Augustin.
It is a venturesome and delicate undertaking to write one's own life, even though that life be a masterpiece of nature and the grace of God, and therefore most worthy to be described. Of all autobiographies none has so happily avoided the reef of vanity and self-praise, and none has won so much esteem and love through its honesty and humility as that of St. Augustin. The "Confessions," which he wrote in the forty-fourth year of his life, still burning in the ardor of his first love, are full of the
St. Augustine—The Confessions and Letters of St

Concerning the Power of the Civil Magistrate in Matters Purely Religious, and Pertaining to the Conscience.
Concerning the Power of the Civil Magistrate in Matters purely Religious, and pertaining to the Conscience. Since God hath assumed to himself the power and Dominion of the Conscience, who alone can rightly instruct and govern it, therefore it is not lawful [1226] for any whosoever, by virtue of any authority or principality they bear in the government of this world, to force the consciences of others; and therefore all killing, banishing, fining, imprisoning, and other such things which are inflicted
Robert Barclay—Theses Theologicae and An Apology for the True Christian Divinity

That Sometimes Lighter vices are to be Left Alone, that More Grievous Ones May be Removed.
But since, when the sickness of two vices attacks a man, one presses upon him more lightly, and the other perchance more heavily, it is undoubtedly right to haste to the succour of that through which there is the more rapid tendency to death. And, if the one cannot be restrained from causing the death which is imminent unless the other which is contrary to it increase, the preacher must be content by skilful management in his exhortation to suffer one to increase, to the end that he may keep the
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

One Metaphor and Two Meanings
'I must work the works of Him that sent Me, while it is day: the night cometh when no man can work.'--JOHN ix. 4. '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.'--ROMANS xiii. 12. The contrast between these two sayings will strike you at once. Using the same metaphors, they apply them in exactly opposite directions. In the one, life is the day, and the state beyond death the night; in the other, life is the night,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

"If we Say that we have no Sin, we Deceive Ourselves, and the Truth is not in Us. "
1 John i. 8.--"If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us." "The night is far spent, the day is at hand," Rom. xiii. 12. This life is but as night, even to the godly. There is some light in it,--some star light, but it is mixed with much darkness of ignorance and sin, and so it will be, till the sun arise, and the morning of their translation to heaven come. But though it be called night in one sense, in regard of that perfect glorious perpetual day in heaven,
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

"Therefore, Brethren, we are Debtors, not to the Flesh, to Live after the Flesh,"
Rom. viii. 12.--"Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh," &c. All things in Christianity have a near and strait conjunction. It is so entire and absolute a piece, that if one link be loosed all the chain falls to the ground, and if one be well fastened upon the heart it brings all alongst with it. Some speak of all truths, even in nature, that they are knit so together that any truth may be concluded out of every truth, at least by a long circuit of deduction
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Concerning Christian Liberty
CHRISTIAN faith has appeared to many an easy thing; nay, not a few even reckon it among the social virtues, as it were; and this they do, because they have not made proof of it experimentally, and have never tasted of what efficacy it is. For it is not possible for any man to write well about it, or to understand well what is rightly written, who has not at some time tasted of its spirit, under the pressure of tribulation. While he who has tasted of it, even to a very small extent, can never write,
Martin Luther—First Principles of the Reformation

St. Augustine (Ad 354-430)
PART I The church in the north of Africa has hardly been mentioned since the time of St. Cyprian (Chapter VIII). But we must now look towards it again, since in the days of St. Chrysostom it produced a man who was perhaps the greatest of all the old Christian fathers--St. Augustine. Augustine was born at Thagaste, a city of Numidia, in the year 354. His mother, Monica, was a pious Christian, but his father, Patricius, was a heathen, and a man of no very good character. Monica was resolved to bring
J. C. Roberston—Sketches of Church History, from AD 33 to the Reformation

How Christ is to be Made Use Of, in Reference to the Killing and Crucifying of the Old Man.
Having thus shortly pointed out some things in general, serving to the clearing and opening up the way of our use-making of Christ for sanctification, we come now more particularly to the clearing up of this business. In sanctification we must consider, first, The renewing and changing of our nature and frame; and, next, The washing and purging away of our daily contracted spots. The first of these is commonly divided into two parts, viz. 1st, The mortification, killing, and crucifying of the
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

How to Use the Present Life, and the Comforts of It.
The divisions of this chapter are,--I. The necessity and usefulness of this doctrine. Extremes to be avoided, if we would rightly use the present life and its comforts, sec. 1, 2. II. One of these extremes, viz, the intemperance of the flesh, to be carefully avoided. Four methods of doing so described in order, sec. 3-6. 1. BY such rudiments we are at the same time well instructed by Scripture in the proper use of earthly blessings, a subject which, in forming a scheme of life, is by no mean to be
Archpriest John Iliytch Sergieff—On the Christian Life

The Holy Spirit Forming Christ Within Us.
It is a wonderful and deeply significant prayer that Paul offers in Eph. iii. 16-19 for the believers in Ephesus and for all believers who read the Epistle. Paul writes, "For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, that ye may be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inward man; that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; to the end that ye, being rooted and
R. A. Torrey—The Person and Work of The Holy Spirit

Concerning Christian Liberty
Christian faith has appeared to many an easy thing; nay, not a few even reckon it among the social virtues, as it were; and this they do because they have not made proof of it experimentally, and have never tasted of what efficacy it is. For it is not possible for any man to write well about it, or to understand well what is rightly written, who has not at some time tasted of its spirit, under the pressure of tribulation; while he who has tasted of it, even to a very small extent, can never write,
Martin Luther—Concerning Christian Liberty

Letter Lvii to the Duke and Duchess of Lorraine
To the Duke and Duchess of Lorraine [87] He thanks them for having hitherto remitted customs [or tolls, but asks that they will see that their princely liberality is not interfered with by the efforts of their servants. To the Duke and Duchess of Lorraine, Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux, sends greeting, and prays that they may so lovingly and purely rejoice in each other's affection that the love of Christ alone maybe supreme in them both. Ever since the needs of our Order obliged me to send for necessaries
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

Links
Romans 13:12 NIV
Romans 13:12 NLT
Romans 13:12 ESV
Romans 13:12 NASB
Romans 13:12 KJV

Romans 13:12 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Romans 13:11
Top of Page
Top of Page