Tag Archives: authority

All right, let me try and tie up the loose ends from this series: Paul begins a section of thought in Romans 12, speaking of how to offer ourselves as living sacrifices. This lifestyle is highlighted by an attitude of … Continue reading →

Some passages in the Bible take on a life of their own, living independently of their own context. As such, they can be made to say any number of things, some not even remotely related to the original meaning. Frankly, … Continue reading →

Before leaving our examination of the text of Romans 13, we really should discuss the remaining verses in the chapter to round out our earlier discussion of the context. Verses 8-10 discuss the pre-eminence of love, concluding with the statement: … Continue reading →

OK, let’s finish off our examination of the text of Romans 13:1-7. I’ll include verse 8; even though it’s often seen as being just a bridge to the next section, it may prove relevant: “Give everyone what you owe him: … Continue reading →

In the verses that follow in Romans 13, Paul calls the rulers “servants” (diakonos): “For he is God’s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He … Continue reading →