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Romans 13:12
Verse
Context
The Day Is Near
11And 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.12The 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.13Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The night is far spent - If we understand this in reference to the heathen state of the Romans, it may be paraphrased thus: The night is far spent - heathenish darkness is nearly at an end. The day is at hand - the full manifestation of the Sun of righteousness, in the illumination of the whole Gentile world approaches rapidly. The manifestation of the Messiah is regularly termed by the ancient Jews יום yom, day, because previously to this all is night, Bereshith rabba sect. 91, fol. 89. Cast off the works of darkness - prepare to meet this rising light, and welcome its approach, by throwing aside superstition, impiety, and vice of every kind: and put on the armor of light - fully receive the heavenly teaching, by which your spirits will be as completely armed against the attacks of evil as your bodies could be by the best weapons and impenetrable armor. This sense seems most suitable to the following verses, where the vices of the Gentiles are particularly specified; and they are exhorted to abandon them, and to receive the Gospel of Christ. The common method of explanation is this: The night is far spent - our present imperfect life, full of afflictions, temptations, and trials, is almost run out; the day of eternal blessedness is at hand - is about to dawn on us in our glorious resurrection unto eternal life. 'Therefore, let us cast off - let us live as candidates for this eternal glory. But this sense cannot at all comport with what is said below, as the Gentiles are most evidently intended.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The night--of evil is far spent, the day--of consummated triumph over it is at hand: let us therefore cast off--as a dress the works of darkness--all works holding of the kingdom and period of darkness, with which, as followers of the risen Saviour, our connection has been dissolved. and let us put on the armour of light--described at length in Eph 6:11-18.
John Gill Bible Commentary
The night is far spent,.... Not of Jewish darkness, which was gone, and was succeeded by the Gospel day; nor of former ignorance in Gentilism and unregeneracy, for that was past, and the true light shined; much less of security in the latter day, which was not yet come on; rather of persecution and distress for Christ's sake; but it is best of all to understand it of the present time of life; so it is called by the Jews (g), , "this world is like to the night": and which, in the best of saints, is attended with imperfection and darkness, errors and mistakes, in principle and practice, in doctrine and conversation; however, it is far spent, and in a little time will be over: the day is at hand; not the Gospel day, for that was already come; nor the day of grace, and spiritual light and comfort to their souls, for that also had taken place; nor the latter day glory, which then was at a distance; rather the approaching day of deliverance from present persecutions; but it is much better to understand it of the everlasting day of glory, which to particular persons was then, and now is at hand; a little while, and the night of darkness, affliction, and disconsolation will be over, and the day of glory will succeed, when there will be no more night, no more darkness, no more doubts, fears, and unbelief; but one continued series of light, joy, and comfort, and an uninterrupted communion with Father, Son, and Spirit; and which is another reason why the saints should not indulge themselves in sleep, but be active, since the halcyon days are at hand, as well as a reason why they should attend to the following exhortations: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness; as the apostle had made use of the metaphors of night and day, and of sleep, and awaking out of sleep, and rising in the morning to business, so he continues the same; and here alludes to persons throwing off their bed clothes, and covering of the night, and putting on proper raiment for the day. By "works of darkness" are meant evil works, which are opposite to the light; to God, who is light itself; to Christ, the light of the world; to the word of God, both law and Gospel, which is a light to our paths; to both the light of nature, and the light of grace: and which spring from the darkness of the mind, and are encouraged to by the god of this world, and by his angels, the rulers of the darkness of it; and which are generally done in the dark, and are such as will not bear the light; and, if grace prevent not, will end in outer darkness, in blackness of darkness, reserved by the justice of God, as the punishment of them. "Casting them off" expresses a dislike of them, a displicency with them, and an abstinence from them. Some copies read, "the armour of darkness", which agrees with what follows: and let us put on the armour of light; the whole armour of God, the use of which lies in the exercise of grace, and discharge of duty; particularly good works are designed here, which though they are not the believer's clothing, his robe of justifying righteousness, they are both his ornament and his armour; by which he adorns the doctrine of Christ, and defends his own character and principles against the charges find calumnies of then: these being performed aright, spring from the light of grace in a regenerate man, and are such as will bear the light to be seen of men; and are the lights which are to shine before men, that they beholding them, may glorify God; so virtue was by Antisthenes (h), called , "armour which cannot be taken away": the allusion is thought to be to the bright and glittering armour of the Romans; the Alexandrian copy reads, "the words of light". (g) Tzeror Hammor, fol. 24. 4. (h) Diogen. Laert. l. 6. in Vita Antisthen. & Hesychius de viris illustr. p. 17.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
13:12-13 the day of salvation: The word day reflects two sources. First, the Old Testament repeatedly predicts the day of the Lord when God’s plan culminates (see Isa 13:4-13; Jer 3:18; 30:8-9; Joel 2:1-32; Obad 1:15-18). Second, the tradition of moral instruction in the ancient world associated light/daytime with good and darkness/nighttime with evil. The Greeks, Romans, and Jews all used this contrast. Because believers belong to the day they should be living out its values, avoiding the dark deeds that are typical of nighttime.
Romans 13:12
The Day Is Near
11And 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.12The 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.13Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(1 Peter - Part 11): Wherefore, Gird Up Your Minds and Be Sober
By A.W. Tozer57K37:10SoberMAT 6:33ROM 13:12EPH 6:171TH 5:6TIT 2:111PE 1:31PE 1:13In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being spiritually prepared and vigilant. He uses the analogy of a violinist who neglects to tune his instrument, resulting in a lack of melody. Similarly, believers who are not spiritually girded will not be effective in their faith. The preacher encourages the audience to be realistic about their spiritual condition and to look forward with expectation. He emphasizes the need to put on the breastplate of faith and love, and the helmet of salvation, as mentioned in 1st Thessalonians. The sermon also highlights the biblical method of laying strong foundations of truth and applying them morally in our lives.
(Common Market) the Time of Thr Toes Appearing
By Willie Mullan1.7K1:01:04Common MarketDAN 2:44DAN 11:36MAT 24:2LUK 21:5ROM 13:122PE 3:11REV 13:5In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power and authority of the word of God, stating that it will ultimately rule the world. He highlights the importance of getting everyone to humble themselves before God, acknowledging that it can be challenging due to human stubbornness. The preacher mentions the significance of paying attention to two key elements: the mouth, the microphone, and the markets. He refers to the book of Daniel, specifically chapter 2, where Daniel interprets a dream for the Babylonian king, revealing that a kingdom will be established by God that will never be destroyed. The sermon also briefly touches on the four Gentile world powers mentioned in the Bible: Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and the Roman Empire.
Almost a Christian
By John Rhys Watkins1.6K25:55False ConversionLUK 16:23ACT 9:5ACT 26:27ROM 13:122CO 5:17In this sermon, the preacher describes a man who is trapped in darkness and torment, symbolizing the state of humanity without Christ. The preacher emphasizes that salvation is available through Jesus, who came to set people free from sin and death. He urges the audience to fully embrace the gospel and not hold back, as they are being judged by God. The sermon is based on the biblical account of Paul's defense before King Agrippa, where Paul passionately shares the message of salvation and urges the king to turn from darkness to light.
The Revival We Need a Call to Arms
By David Legge1.5K52:402CH 7:14LUK 10:19ROM 8:37ROM 13:12EPH 6:12This sermon emphasizes the call to spiritual arms, urging believers to engage in a spiritual battle using the armor of God. It highlights the need for revival, personal consecration, and the power of prayer in facing the challenges of the world. The speaker draws parallels from historical revivals and the impact of spiritual warfare on society, urging Christians to be soldiers of the cross and agents of transformation in a divided world.
Clean Up the Place for God
By Bill McLeod1.3K51:51HolinessECC 3:14MAT 22:39ROM 13:12ROM 13:14EPH 2:12EPH 2:19EPH 3:14In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding and experiencing true love, which is exemplified by God's love for us. He highlights how often we love for selfish reasons or only those who love us back. The speaker shares a story about a missionary who deeply missed his friends and emphasizes the need to love sacrificially. The sermon also discusses the power of prayer and shares examples of individuals who faced challenges in their ministry but persevered through prayer and reliance on God. The speaker encourages listeners to examine their hearts and remove any sinful behaviors or attitudes that grieve the Holy Spirit, in order to experience true victory and intimacy with God.
Freedom From Witchcraft and Unclean Spirits
By Emanuel Esh1.2K50:41WitchcraftISA 58:10MAT 6:23JHN 1:4ACT 26:18ROM 13:121CO 4:51PE 2:9In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the book of John and focuses on the theme of light and darkness. He emphasizes that darkness is afraid of light and that the only thing that can overcome darkness is light. The preacher shares a personal childhood memory of visiting his great-grandparents and highlights the importance of repentance and allowing the light of Christ to expose and drive away darkness in our lives. He also references the resurrection of Jesus and how it overcame sin, death, and hell, shining the eternal light and glory into the hearts of believers. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the specific assignment given to believers to open the eyes of others, turn them from darkness to light, and preach the light of Christ.
1'st Sermon of the Church
By James Booker1.0K42:24PSA 34:15MAT 6:19MAT 14:28ROM 13:12COL 3:1HEB 7:25In this sermon, the speaker reflects on their own spiritual journey and the lessons they have learned from studying the scriptures. They draw parallels between the current state of the world and the night scene described by the Apostle, suggesting that we may be nearing the end of a dark period. The speaker shares a personal anecdote about a storm and how the beauty of the landscape was restored the next day, relating it to the presence of God in difficult times. The sermon also references a biblical story about Jesus walking on water and calming the storm, emphasizing the importance of faith and trust in God's power.
Win Your Loved Ones
By John R. Rice95558:38Lost SoulsISA 60:1MAT 5:14LUK 19:10JHN 8:12ROM 13:12EPH 5:81JN 1:5In this sermon, the preacher encourages the congregation to fill up the empty seats in the church. He emphasizes the importance of singing with passion and intensity, with the chords standing out on their necks and their eyes bugging out. The preacher also emphasizes the need to share the message of Christ's love and salvation with others. He reminds the congregation that Jesus is the light of the world and that they have the responsibility to be a light for the lost to see. The sermon concludes with a call to worship and praise God, acknowledging His glory and the eternal life that believers have in Him.
Rise Up and Work 2001 Conference-01 Keynote Address
By William MacDonald80350:09Conference1CH 22:16MAT 21:28JHN 9:4ROM 13:121CO 7:29EPH 2:8EPH 2:10In this sermon, the preacher discusses the impending arrival of a great asteroid that scientists are monitoring. He relates this to the biblical prophecy of a mountain burning with fire coming down from heaven. The preacher emphasizes the importance of living in the light of eternity and not getting caught up in insignificant matters. He encourages the audience to live their lives in a way that will have a lasting impact and not waste their time on trivial pursuits. The sermon also includes a story about Steve Jobs and his friend John Kelly, highlighting the need to do something that will change the world rather than pursuing material success.
Follow Me the Souce of True Joy
By Shane Idleman80246:18MAT 4:19MAT 11:28JHN 3:30ROM 13:12This sermon delves into the importance of following Jesus wholeheartedly, emphasizing the need to surrender all aspects of our lives to Him. It challenges the audience to redefine success based on God's standards, highlighting the joy that comes from being in a right relationship with God through repentance and renewal. The message underscores the urgency of immediately responding to Jesus' call to follow Him, redefining our priorities and ambitions to align with His will.
The Shield of Faith
By Erlo Stegen77648:25PRO 28:1MAT 10:26ROM 13:12EPH 6:10EPH 6:16HEB 4:2HEB 4:11The sermon transcript discusses the importance of having faith as a shield against the attacks of the evil one. It explains that Satan's tactics are like fiery arrows, and faith is the shield that can extinguish them. The sermon emphasizes the need for Christians to be strong in the Lord and to have a faith that is active and obedient. It also highlights the importance of living a life of righteousness and truth, as God sees and knows everything and will eventually expose all secrets.
The Feeble Shall Be Like David
By Joshua Daniel65848:201SA 17:39AMO 5:24ZEC 12:8ZEC 12:10MAT 19:26JHN 3:16ROM 13:12ROM 13:14This sermon focuses on the transformational power of God's grace and the promise that the feeble shall be strengthened like David. It emphasizes the need for humility, righteousness, and the importance of putting on the armor of light, symbolizing Christ. The speaker urges listeners to seek inner cleansing, break free from bondage, and embrace the love of God to become overcomers in the face of challenges.
The Cruciform Self in Transformation
By Michael Flowers39631:45TransformationMAT 6:33ROM 7:24ROM 8:2ROM 8:11ROM 13:12In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the cry for liberation and the assurance found in Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that through participation in Christ, believers are set free from sin and death. The preacher also highlights the importance of putting sin to death and the absence of condemnation for those who are in Christ. The sermon concludes with a prayer for God's guidance and a reflection on the human condition and the mystery of the self.
The Day of the Lord
By Thaddeus Barnum14331:39Christian LifeGEN 1:3GEN 6:13ISA 66:15ROM 13:12ROM 13:142CO 5:102PE 3:7In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the unimaginable sacrifice that Jesus made for humanity by taking on the justice that was due to us. He quotes John 5:24, which states that whoever hears the word of Jesus and believes in the one who sent him will have eternal life and will not face judgment. The preacher then shifts to the topic of the second coming of Jesus, highlighting its significance and urging the audience to pay attention to it. He quotes Romans, emphasizing that salvation is closer than ever and encourages Christians to live in a way that reflects their longing for the day of the Lord's appearing. The sermon concludes with a reminder that everyone will stand before the judgment seat of Christ and be recompensed for their deeds, whether good or bad. The preacher also mentions John the Baptist as a preacher of the second coming, referencing Isaiah 66:15.
Can America Survive (1969)
By Jack Van Impe5834:44Moral Decay in SocietyUrgency of SalvationMAT 28:19MRK 16:15LUK 14:21JHN 9:4ROM 13:122CO 6:21TI 2:4HEB 3:72PE 3:9REV 3:10Jack Van Impe emphasizes the urgent need for America to turn back to God amidst rising sin and moral decay, warning that without a revival, the nation faces imminent judgment. He cites biblical prophecies and current events to illustrate the potential for chaos and tribulation, urging listeners to accept Christ immediately for salvation. Van Impe stresses that the time for decision is now, as the coming of the Lord is near, and Christians must be prepared for the judgment of their works. He calls for a return to biblical truths and warns against the influences of secularism and immorality in society. The sermon concludes with an invitation for individuals to accept Jesus as their Savior.
Epistle 252
By George Fox0Unity in ChristHumilityPSA 129:6ISA 40:4ISA 42:6JER 3:9ROM 10:8ROM 13:121CO 1:241CO 9:172CO 5:19EPH 6:12COL 4:61TH 2:191TI 4:12HEB 12:231JN 5:9REV 17:14George Fox emphasizes the importance of humility, meekness, and purity for those who minister the gospel. He urges ministers to be examples in their conduct and to avoid ungracious speech, remaining faithful to God's calling. Fox warns against division and encourages unity among believers, highlighting the need to demonstrate the new life in Christ to those still in darkness. He calls for ministers to be valiant for the truth and to preach the light of Christ to all nations, equipping themselves with the armor of God to stand against unrighteousness. Ultimately, he reminds them that the Lamb will have the victory, and they should be each other's joy in the Lord.
Epistle 142
By George Fox0Armor of GodFaith in AdversityROM 13:12EPH 6:14George Fox encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith amidst life's tempests, urging them to put on the armor of God, including the helmet of salvation and the breastplate of righteousness. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on the power of God and the light of Jesus, assuring that the Lamb will ultimately conquer all adversities. Fox calls for patience, love, and unity among believers, reminding them that living in truth leads to a deeper relationship with God and fellowship with one another. He highlights that through Christ, believers are renewed into God's image, moving away from the fallen ways of man. The message is a powerful reminder of the victory found in Christ and the necessity of living in truth and love.
Matthew 5:14
By Chuck Smith0Christian IdentityLight Of The WorldISA 60:1MAT 5:14MAT 5:16JHN 1:5JHN 8:12ROM 13:122CO 4:6EPH 5:8PHP 2:151PE 2:9Chuck Smith emphasizes that Christians are the light of the world, a profound statement given the darkness that pervades society. He argues that while the world seeks enlightenment through knowledge and education, it ultimately fails to address the real issues of human relationships and moral decay. The true light comes from Christ, who not only illuminates our lives but also shines through us, enabling us to reflect His light in a dark world. Smith challenges believers to consider whether their lives demonstrate a distinct difference that points others to Christ. The sermon calls for Christians to embrace their role as the sole source of light in a world desperately in need of hope and truth.
The Lord My Light
By Octavius Winslow0Light of ChristSpiritual TransformationPSA 27:1ISA 60:19MAT 5:14JHN 1:5JHN 8:12ROM 13:122CO 4:6EPH 5:8COL 1:131PE 2:9Octavius Winslow emphasizes that the Lord is our light and portion, guiding believers from spiritual darkness into His marvelous light. He illustrates how nature reflects God's glory and serves as a reminder of Christ's presence, urging the unconverted to recognize their dire state without Him. True conversion is described as a calling out of darkness into light, highlighting the importance of being born again and becoming a child of the light. Winslow reassures believers that Christ is their light in every aspect of life, providing hope and guidance through trials until they reach eternal glory. The sermon concludes with the promise of everlasting light in God's presence, where sorrow will cease.
1 John 1:6
By John Gill0Fellowship With GodWalking in the LightJHN 3:21JHN 8:12ROM 13:122CO 6:14EPH 5:8COL 1:131TH 5:51PE 2:91JN 1:61JN 2:4John Gill emphasizes the contradiction of claiming fellowship with God while walking in darkness, which represents sin, ignorance, and unbelief. He explains that those who profess to have communion with God but continue in sinful ways are deceiving themselves and are hypocrites. True fellowship with God results in walking in the light, as God is light, and one cannot genuinely know Him while remaining in darkness. Gill warns that such individuals are liars, as their actions do not align with the truth of the Gospel. The sermon calls for self-examination and a sincere pursuit of the light of Christ.
The Land of Darkness and the Shadow of Death.
By F.B. Meyer0Readiness for His ReturnHope in ChristJOB 10:21MAT 25:1JHN 14:3ROM 13:121TH 5:62TI 4:8TIT 2:13HEB 9:281PE 1:13REV 22:12F.B. Meyer reflects on the contrast between the ancient understanding of death as a land of darkness and the Christian hope of eternal life and light through Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that while the patriarchs viewed life as day and the afterlife as night, believers today see the present as night and the future as a glorious day. Meyer encourages Christians to live in anticipation of Christ's return, likening the soul's affections to the tides influenced by the cross and the hope of His coming. He urges believers to remain vigilant and prepared, embodying the spirit of waiting for the Lord's return with faith and readiness.
The Light Was Before Time
By George Fox0Walking in the LightUnity in ChristMAT 5:14JHN 1:5JHN 15:5ROM 13:122CO 4:6EPH 5:8PHP 2:15COL 1:131PE 2:91JN 1:7George Fox emphasizes the importance of unity among the Saints, which is found in the Light that condemns the world. He warns against living in one's own will while professing faith, as this leads to division and lack of true unity. Walking in the Eternal Light brings clarity and strength against deceit and unrighteousness, while those who reject this Light face condemnation. Fox encourages believers to dwell in God's pure Light, which was present before time and continues to reveal the truth of our actions. He concludes with a call to abide in Christ, the true Vine, to experience spiritual growth and unity.
Walk in Light
By C.H. Spurgeon0Faith and HopeLight of ChristPSA 27:1ISA 9:2MAT 5:14JHN 8:12JHN 12:46ROM 13:122CO 4:6EPH 5:8PHP 2:151JN 1:5C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that Jesus is the light of the world, coming to dispel the darkness that envelops humanity. He encourages believers to trust in Jesus, assuring them that faith leads to liberation from despair and ignorance, allowing them to bask in the eternal light of hope and joy. Spurgeon urges listeners to shake off their depression and not remain in darkness, as Jesus offers the privilege of living in broad daylight. He reminds us that just as the sun rises to scatter light, Jesus' coming is not in vain, and believers can rejoice in His presence. Ultimately, Spurgeon calls for a response of faith to fully embrace the light that Jesus provides.
Real Issues to Be Considered
By Lewis Sperry Chafer0MAT 24:42ROM 13:121TH 5:51TH 5:8HEB 10:232PE 3:9Lewis Sperry Chafer emphasizes the importance of not indulging in idle speculations but being alert to the signs of the approaching day of the Lord. Believers, as 'children of the light' and 'children of the day,' should be mindful of the positive conditions leading to that day and not disregard them. The imminent return of Christ should serve as a motivating vision that propels believers to action and inspires them to diligently pursue their tasks, just like it did for faithful saints and ministers like Mr. Moody. As the fulfillment of Scripture unfolds rapidly, Chafer urges listeners to open their eyes, heed God's Word, and recognize the signs of the times.
John 9:1-5
By St. John Chrysostom0DEU 24:16EZK 18:3JHN 9:3JHN 12:36ROM 5:20ROM 13:121CO 12:16John Chrysostom preaches about Jesus healing a man born blind, emphasizing that the man's blindness was not a punishment for sin but an opportunity for God's glory to be revealed. Chrysostom explains that Jesus' miracles, like restoring sight to the blind, demonstrate His power as the Creator and the Light of the world. He contrasts the temporary nature of earthly dwellings with the eternal glory of heavenly homes, urging believers to invest in building their spiritual houses in heaven through acts of charity and faith. Chrysostom encourages his audience to prioritize their eternal dwelling place in God's kingdom, where there is no envy, malice, or decay, and where the presence of saints and angels brings eternal joy.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The night is far spent - If we understand this in reference to the heathen state of the Romans, it may be paraphrased thus: The night is far spent - heathenish darkness is nearly at an end. The day is at hand - the full manifestation of the Sun of righteousness, in the illumination of the whole Gentile world approaches rapidly. The manifestation of the Messiah is regularly termed by the ancient Jews יום yom, day, because previously to this all is night, Bereshith rabba sect. 91, fol. 89. Cast off the works of darkness - prepare to meet this rising light, and welcome its approach, by throwing aside superstition, impiety, and vice of every kind: and put on the armor of light - fully receive the heavenly teaching, by which your spirits will be as completely armed against the attacks of evil as your bodies could be by the best weapons and impenetrable armor. This sense seems most suitable to the following verses, where the vices of the Gentiles are particularly specified; and they are exhorted to abandon them, and to receive the Gospel of Christ. The common method of explanation is this: The night is far spent - our present imperfect life, full of afflictions, temptations, and trials, is almost run out; the day of eternal blessedness is at hand - is about to dawn on us in our glorious resurrection unto eternal life. 'Therefore, let us cast off - let us live as candidates for this eternal glory. But this sense cannot at all comport with what is said below, as the Gentiles are most evidently intended.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The night--of evil is far spent, the day--of consummated triumph over it is at hand: let us therefore cast off--as a dress the works of darkness--all works holding of the kingdom and period of darkness, with which, as followers of the risen Saviour, our connection has been dissolved. and let us put on the armour of light--described at length in Eph 6:11-18.
John Gill Bible Commentary
The night is far spent,.... Not of Jewish darkness, which was gone, and was succeeded by the Gospel day; nor of former ignorance in Gentilism and unregeneracy, for that was past, and the true light shined; much less of security in the latter day, which was not yet come on; rather of persecution and distress for Christ's sake; but it is best of all to understand it of the present time of life; so it is called by the Jews (g), , "this world is like to the night": and which, in the best of saints, is attended with imperfection and darkness, errors and mistakes, in principle and practice, in doctrine and conversation; however, it is far spent, and in a little time will be over: the day is at hand; not the Gospel day, for that was already come; nor the day of grace, and spiritual light and comfort to their souls, for that also had taken place; nor the latter day glory, which then was at a distance; rather the approaching day of deliverance from present persecutions; but it is much better to understand it of the everlasting day of glory, which to particular persons was then, and now is at hand; a little while, and the night of darkness, affliction, and disconsolation will be over, and the day of glory will succeed, when there will be no more night, no more darkness, no more doubts, fears, and unbelief; but one continued series of light, joy, and comfort, and an uninterrupted communion with Father, Son, and Spirit; and which is another reason why the saints should not indulge themselves in sleep, but be active, since the halcyon days are at hand, as well as a reason why they should attend to the following exhortations: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness; as the apostle had made use of the metaphors of night and day, and of sleep, and awaking out of sleep, and rising in the morning to business, so he continues the same; and here alludes to persons throwing off their bed clothes, and covering of the night, and putting on proper raiment for the day. By "works of darkness" are meant evil works, which are opposite to the light; to God, who is light itself; to Christ, the light of the world; to the word of God, both law and Gospel, which is a light to our paths; to both the light of nature, and the light of grace: and which spring from the darkness of the mind, and are encouraged to by the god of this world, and by his angels, the rulers of the darkness of it; and which are generally done in the dark, and are such as will not bear the light; and, if grace prevent not, will end in outer darkness, in blackness of darkness, reserved by the justice of God, as the punishment of them. "Casting them off" expresses a dislike of them, a displicency with them, and an abstinence from them. Some copies read, "the armour of darkness", which agrees with what follows: and let us put on the armour of light; the whole armour of God, the use of which lies in the exercise of grace, and discharge of duty; particularly good works are designed here, which though they are not the believer's clothing, his robe of justifying righteousness, they are both his ornament and his armour; by which he adorns the doctrine of Christ, and defends his own character and principles against the charges find calumnies of then: these being performed aright, spring from the light of grace in a regenerate man, and are such as will bear the light to be seen of men; and are the lights which are to shine before men, that they beholding them, may glorify God; so virtue was by Antisthenes (h), called , "armour which cannot be taken away": the allusion is thought to be to the bright and glittering armour of the Romans; the Alexandrian copy reads, "the words of light". (g) Tzeror Hammor, fol. 24. 4. (h) Diogen. Laert. l. 6. in Vita Antisthen. & Hesychius de viris illustr. p. 17.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
13:12-13 the day of salvation: The word day reflects two sources. First, the Old Testament repeatedly predicts the day of the Lord when God’s plan culminates (see Isa 13:4-13; Jer 3:18; 30:8-9; Joel 2:1-32; Obad 1:15-18). Second, the tradition of moral instruction in the ancient world associated light/daytime with good and darkness/nighttime with evil. The Greeks, Romans, and Jews all used this contrast. Because believers belong to the day they should be living out its values, avoiding the dark deeds that are typical of nighttime.