Verse of the Day for Monday, April 15, 2024

 

Verse of the Day
Monday, April 15, 2024

Romans 13:6-7

For the same reason you also pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, busy with this very thing. Pay to all what is due them—taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due.

Romans 13:6-7, found in the New Testament of the Christian Bible, is part of a larger section within the Epistle to the Romans written by the Apostle Paul. This epistle is a foundational Christian text that elaborates on various theological and ethical issues. In the broader context of Romans 13, Paul discusses the Christian's relationship to governing authorities, a theme particularly relevant for the early Christian communities living under Roman rule. The verses emphasize the idea of submission to government authorities, arguing that they are instituted by God for the order and well-being of society.

In these verses, Paul provides practical guidance on how Christians should engage with their civic responsibilities. The passage underscores the notion that paying taxes and giving due respect to authorities is not merely a civil obligation but also a spiritual one. By describing authorities as "God's servants," Paul suggests that governance and order are part of the divine plan for human society.

1. Taxation as a Moral Duty: Paul explicitly mentions the payment of taxes as a duty for Christians. This statement is significant in the context of the Roman Empire, where tax collection was often oppressive. By acknowledging the legitimacy of paying taxes, Paul is not condoning unfair systems but rather emphasizing the importance of maintaining social order and contributing to the common good.

2. Respect and Honor: Beyond financial obligations, there is a call for respect and honor towards authorities. This aspect goes beyond mere compliance with laws; it involves an attitude of respect towards those in leadership positions, recognizing their role in God's providential plan.

3. Balancing Civil and Spiritual Obligations: While advocating for submission to earthly authorities, Paul's teachings do not imply blind obedience. Elsewhere in the New Testament, the principle of obeying God over human authorities is clear (e.g., Acts 5:29). The message in Romans 13 should be balanced with the broader biblical teaching on justice, mercy, and the sovereignty of God.

4. Application for Contemporary Christians: This passage remains relevant today as it addresses how believers can faithfully live out their faith in society. It challenges Christians to consider how they engage with government and societal structures, advocating for a position that respects and honors authority while also upholding higher moral and spiritual principles.

In summary, Romans 13:6-7 serves as a poignant reminder of the Christian's dual citizenship - in the kingdom of God and in the earthly realm. It calls believers to navigate this tension by fulfilling their civic duties with integrity and respect, while ultimately placing their allegiance to God's higher law of love and justice.

The Bible texts are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Bible, copyright © 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM.
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