Owe no one anything except to love one another, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. Truth to Learn We are to be constantly paying off our love debt. Behind the Words The word that is translated “Owe” is the Greek word opheilē, which was translated...
Romans 13:7 – Yes, Taxes! Really!
Therefore give to everyone what is due to them: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor. Truth to Learn Christians should submit to all authorities and pay taxes. Behind the Words “Give” is translated from the Greek word...
Romans 13:6 – Taxes? Really?
For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God's ministers attending continually to this very thing. Truth to Learn Paying taxes is part of God’s plan for government. Behind the Words The words “you pay” are from the Greek verb teleō, which literally means “to end.”...
Romans 13:5 – Submission by Conscience
Therefore it is necessary to be subject to the authorities, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake. Truth to Learn We are to submit to authorities because it is the right thing to do. Behind the Words “It is necessary” is a translation of the Greek...
Romans 13:4 – Authority of Vengeance
For he is God's minister for your good. but if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God's minister, an avenger to bring wrath on him who practices evil. Truth to Learn We are to submit to those in authority...
Romans 13:3 – Fear Prevention
For the rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil works. Do you want to be unafraid of the one in authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from him. Truth to Learn Good works overcome fear. Behind the Words The word translated...
Romans 13:2 – Authoritative Submission
Therefore whoever resists authority resists what God has ordained, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. Truth to Learn We are to submit ourselves to those in authority over us, or we will find ourselves resisting what God has put in place. Behind the Words The first...
Romans 13:1 – Civil Submission
Let every soul be subject to the higher authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are established by God. Truth to Learn We Christians are to submit to those in authority over us. Behind the Words The verb translated, “be subject to”...
Romans 12:21 – Good Versus Evil
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Truth to Learn The proper way for a Christian to combat evil is with good. Behind the Words The word translated “overcome” is nikaō, a verb form of the noun nikē, which refers to “a conquest or victory.”...
Romans 12:20 – Mercy, Not Vengeance
Therefore "If your enemy should be hungry, feed him; if he should be thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head." Truth to Learn Do not take vengeance. Instead, show mercy. Behind the Words “Heap” is from the Greek verb...