Romans 13 Bible Study

Bible Study – Romans 13.8-14

Begin by having a look at the context of the passage within the ‘practical’ section of Romans which started at 12.1. From 12.9 Paul exhorts his readers to live a life of love and gives some specific instructions. In 13.1-7 he addresses the question of Christian attitudes to the (non-Christian) governing authorities. This leads him back to the subject of love in action from 13.8 onwards.

Bear in mind that chapter and verse divisions are a later invention and were not included by Paul, or any other Bible writer!


Now, read from 13.7 to 13.10 and respond to the following questions:-

Q1 What are the advantages and disadvantages of comparing Christian love to the payment of a debt or tax? How helpful do you find this metaphor?

Q2 What strikes you about the way Paul summarizes God’s commandments? Do you think people need a detailed code or just a general principle to follow?

Q3 What does it mean to you when Paul writes that love is the fulfilment of the law? How does this relate to the words of Jesus in Matthew 5.17-20?


Next, read Romans 13.11 to 13.14 and respond to the following questions:-

Q4 When Paul writes here about salvation, do you think he is referring to individual salvation or something bigger?

Q5 Why does Paul introduce a sense of urgency? How much urgency do you sense in our Church and in Christians generally today?

Q6 Writing to Christians, does it surprise you that Paul finds it necessary to give the warnings of verse 13? What relevance does ‘the sinful nature’ (v14) have to Christians?

Q7 From your experience, what does it mean to ‘clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ’ (v14) or to ‘put on the armour of light’ (v12)? How can we make sure our ‘wearing’ of Christ is not just a disguise or cover up?

Q8 What do you think are the most pressing needs for the Church and society, ‘understanding the present time’ (v11)? Do you think God’s priorities have changed since the time that Paul was writing?

Q9 Is there a particular way in which God is prompting or challenging you through this Bible passage?