Divine Ordination of Authorities
Romans 13:1 states, Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. This verse emphasizes that all governing authorities are established by God, and thus, respecting them is part of our obedience to Him.

Consequences of Rebellion
Verse 2 warns, Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. This highlights the spiritual and practical consequences of resisting governmental authority.

Role of Authorities
According to Romans 13:3-4, For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the one in authority? Do what is right, and you will have his approval. For he is God’s servant to you for good. Authorities are meant to promote good and restrain evil, serving as God's servants for our benefit.

Obligation to Pay Taxes
Verse 6-7 instructs, This is also why you pay taxes. For the authorities are God’s servants, who devote themselves to their work. Pay everyone what you owe him: taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due. Paying taxes and showing respect are part of our Christian duty.

Love as Fulfillment of the Law
Romans 13:8-10 shifts focus to love, stating, Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. Love is the ultimate fulfillment of the law and should guide all our interactions.Pray for Leaders
Regularly pray for those in authority, asking God to guide them in wisdom and justice.

Engage Respectfully
Engage with political and social issues respectfully, remembering that authorities are established by God.

Model Good Citizenship
Be a model citizen by obeying laws, paying taxes, and contributing positively to society.

Practice Love
Let love be the guiding principle in all interactions, fulfilling the law through acts of kindness and compassion.1. Governing Authorities
These are the rulers and officials who hold positions of power and governance. Romans 13:1-2 emphasizes that all authority is established by God, and therefore, Christians are called to submit to these authorities. The Greek term used here is "ἐξουσίαις" (exousiais), which refers to powers or authorities.

2. God
While not directly named in the list of persons, God is the ultimate authority who establishes all governing powers. Romans 13:1 states, "For there is no authority except that which is from God," highlighting God's sovereignty over earthly rulers.

3. Rulers
These are the individuals who execute laws and maintain order. Romans 13:3-4 describes them as servants of God who are meant to be a terror to bad conduct but a praise to good conduct. The Greek word "ἄρχοντες" (archontes) is used, meaning rulers or leaders.

4. The One in Authority
This refers to any specific person who holds a position of power within the government. Romans 13:4 mentions that "he is God's servant for your good," indicating that those in authority are meant to serve the public welfare.

5. The Tax Collector
Implied in Romans 13:6-7, where it discusses paying taxes as a duty to the authorities. The passage underscores the legitimacy of tax collection as part of the governing system ordained by God.

6. Neighbor
In Romans 13:9-10, the focus shifts to interpersonal relationships, emphasizing love for one's neighbor as the fulfillment of the law. The Greek term "πλησίον" (plēsion) is used, meaning neighbor or fellow man.

7. The Believer/Christian
While not explicitly named, the entire chapter is directed towards believers, instructing them on how to live in relation to authorities and others. The believer is called to live honorably, love others, and fulfill the law through love.Romans 13 in the Berean Standard Bible does not specifically mention any geographical places. Instead, it focuses on themes such as submission to governing authorities, love fulfilling the law, and living honorably. Therefore, there are no places to list from this chapter. If you have any other questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask!1. Submission to Governing Authorities
Romans 13:1 - "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God."
The Greek word for "submit" (ὑποτάσσω, hypotassō) implies a voluntary attitude of giving in, cooperating, assuming responsibility, and carrying a burden. This verse emphasizes the divine origin of governmental authority.

2. Consequences of Resisting Authority
Romans 13:2 - "Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves."
The term "resists" (ἀντιτάσσω, antitassō) means to arrange in battle against, indicating a strong opposition. This highlights the seriousness of opposing God-ordained structures.

3. Role of Rulers as God's Servants
Romans 13:3-4 - "For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the one in authority? Then do what is right, and you will have his approval. For he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not carry the sword in vain. He is God’s servant, an agent of retribution to bring punishment on the wrongdoer."
The word "servant" (διάκονος, diakonos) is often translated as "minister" or "deacon," indicating a role of service under God's authority.

4. Necessity of Submission for Conscience's Sake
Romans 13:5 - "Therefore, it is necessary to submit to authority, not only to avoid punishment, but also as a matter of conscience."
The Greek term for "conscience" (συνείδησις, syneidēsis) refers to moral consciousness, suggesting that submission is not just about fear of retribution but also about maintaining a clear moral standing before God.

5. Paying Taxes as a Duty
Romans 13:6-7 - "This is also why you pay taxes. For the authorities are God’s servants, who devote themselves to their work. Pay everyone what you owe him: taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due."
The emphasis on paying taxes and giving respect and honor underscores the practical aspects of living under authority, recognizing their role as God's servants (λειτουργός, leitourgos).

6. The Command to Love
Romans 13:8-10 - "Be indebted to no one, except to one another in love. For he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. The commandments 'Do not commit adultery,' 'Do not murder,' 'Do not steal,' 'Do not covet,' and any other commandments, are summed up in this one decree: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' Love does no wrong to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law."
The Greek word for "love" (ἀγάπη, agapē) is a selfless, sacrificial love that seeks the best for others, fulfilling the moral requirements of the law.

7. Living in the Light of Salvation
Romans 13:11-12 - "And do this, understanding the occasion. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 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 imagery of "armor of light" (ὅπλα τοῦ φωτός, hopla tou phōtos) suggests a readiness and protection associated with living in accordance with God's truth.

8. Conduct Befitting the Day
Romans 13:13-14 - "Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Instead, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the desires of the flesh."
The call to "clothe yourselves" (ἐνδύσασθε, endysasthe) with Christ implies adopting His character and virtues, contrasting with the "desires of the flesh" (ἐπιθυμίας τῆς σαρκός, epithymias tēs sarkos), which are to be rejected.1 Peter 2:13-17
This passage echoes the call to submit to authorities and live as free people who use their freedom to serve God.

Titus 3:1-2
Paul instructs Titus to remind believers to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, and to be ready for every good work.

Matthew 22:21
Jesus' teaching on rendering to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's provides a foundational principle for understanding our dual responsibilities. Pray for Wisdom
Ask God for wisdom to navigate the complexities of living under human authorities while maintaining ultimate allegiance to Him.

Pray for Peace
Pray for peace and justice in our nation and for leaders to govern with integrity and righteousness.

Pray for Love
Seek God's help to love others genuinely, fulfilling the law through acts of kindness and compassion.

Pray for Courage
Request courage to stand firm in faith and truth, even when it conflicts with societal norms or governmental directives.

By studying Romans 13, we gain insight into how to live as faithful Christians in a world governed by human authorities, always remembering that our ultimate allegiance is to God.

1. What does it mean to submit to governing authorities?

2. How can we reconcile the command to submit to governing authorities with situations where these authorities may act unjustly?

3. In what ways does love fulfill the law?

4. How does Paul's teaching on love challenge our current societal norms and personal habits?

5. What does it mean to wake up from spiritual slumber?

6. How can you apply the principles of "putting on the armor of light" in your daily life?

7. How does the idea of the nearness of salvation influence your attitudes and actions?

8. How can you "clothe yourself with the Lord Jesus Christ" as Paul advises?

9. In what ways can we honor the commandments in our contemporary lifestyle?

10. What are some practical ways to demonstrate love to our neighbors in accordance with the teaching in Romans 13?

11. How does Paul's instruction about paying taxes speak to our attitudes towards societal responsibilities?

12. What does it mean to live honorably as in the day?

13. How does Romans 13 challenge our perceptions of civil authority?

14. How can we navigate situations where civil law and God's law appear to be in conflict?

15. What are some practical steps to avoid debauchery, dissension, and jealousy?

16. How can you exhibit more respect for authorities in your life?

17. How can we balance our earthly responsibilities (like paying taxes) with our spiritual responsibilities?

18. How does Paul's emphasis on love affect your understanding of the Christian faith?

19. How can you practice living in the light in your current circumstances?

20. How does the teaching in Romans 13 inspire you to live differently in the present day?