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Romans 13:6
Verse
Context
Submission to Authorities
5Therefore it is necessary to submit to authority, not only to avoid punishment, but also as a matter of conscience.6This is also why you pay taxes. For the authorities are God’s servants, who devote themselves to their work.7Pay everyone what you owe him: taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due.
Sermons
Zac PoonenZac Poonen
David Servant
Timothy Tow
Richard BaxterSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For this cause pay ye tribute also - Because civil government is an order of God, and the ministers of state must be at considerable expense in providing for the safety and defense of the community, it is necessary that those in whose behalf these expenses are incurred should defray that expense; and hence nothing can be more reasonable than an impartial and moderate taxation, by which the expenses of the state may be defrayed, and the various officers, whether civil or military, who are employed for the service of the public, be adequately remunerated. All this is just and right, but there is no insinuation in the apostle's words in behalf of an extravagant and oppressive taxation, for the support of unprincipled and unnecessary wars; or the pensioning of corrupt or useless men. The taxes are to be paid for the support of those who are God's ministers - the necessary civil officers, from the king downwards, who are attending Continually on this very thing. And let the reader observe, that by God's ministers are not meant here the ministers of religion, but the civil officers in all departments of the state.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For, for this cause pay ye--rather, "ye pay" tribute also--that is, "This is the reason why ye pay the contributions requisite for maintaining the civil government." for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing--"to this very thing."
John Gill Bible Commentary
For, for this cause pay you tribute also,.... To show that we are subject to the higher powers, and as a proof and evidence of our subjection to them, we do and ought to pay tribute to them, to support them in their office and dignity; and this is done not for fear of trouble, of distress on goods and estate, or imprisonment of person, but for conscience sake: payment of taxes is not a mere matter of prudence, and done to avoid dangerous consequence, but is and ought to be a case of conscience; whatever is anyone's due, and of right belongs to him, conscience dictates it ought to be paid him; as therefore it tells a man, that whatever is God's should be rendered to him, so whatever is Caesar's, should be given him; and indeed to do otherwise, to refuse to pay tribute, or by any fraudulent means to deprive the civil magistrate of his due, is not only to do an injury to him, but to the whole body politic, which has a greater concern therein than he himself; and such a person forfeits all right and claim to his protection: for they are God's ministers. This is another reason why tribute should be paid them, not only to testify subjection to them, and keep conscience clear, but because they are called unto, and put into this high office by God; for promotion to such honour and high places comes not from east, west, north, or south; but is by the providence of God, who puts down, and sets up at pleasure; they are his vicegerents, they act under him, are in his stead, and represent his majesty; and therefore, in some sort, what is done to them is done to him: attending continually upon this very thing; not of laying, collecting, and receiving tribute, but of service and ministry under God, for the welfare of their subjects; for rightly to administer the office of magistracy requires great pains, care, diligence, and assiduity; and as great wisdom and thoughtfulness in making laws for the good of the body, so a diligent constant concern to put them in execution, to secure the lives of subjects from cut throats and murderers, and their properties and estates from thieves and robbers; and they are not only obliged diligently to attend to such service at home, but to keep a good lookout abroad, and penetrate into, and watch the designs of foreign enemies, to defend from their invasions, and fight for their country; that the inhabitants thereof may live peaceable and quiet lives, enjoying their respective rights and privileges; and since therefore civil government is a business of so much care, and since our rulers are so solicitous, and constantly concerned for our good, and which cannot be done without great expense, as well as diligence, we ought cheerfully to pay tribute to them.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
13:6 Pay your taxes: Jesus referred to paying taxes in his famous pronouncement about the disciples’ relationship to government (Matt 22:21). A tax revolt occurred in Rome at about the time that Paul was writing, so Paul’s whole discussion of the Christian’s responsibility to government might have been sparked by his knowledge that Roman Christians were participating in this tax revolt (see Tacitus, Annals 13).
Romans 13:6
Submission to Authorities
5Therefore it is necessary to submit to authority, not only to avoid punishment, but also as a matter of conscience.6This is also why you pay taxes. For the authorities are God’s servants, who devote themselves to their work.7Pay everyone what you owe him: taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Basics) 71. Submission to Authority
By Zac Poonen2.5K12:40ACT 5:29ROM 13:1ROM 13:4ROM 13:6HEB 13:17In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of submitting to authority as instructed in the Bible. He references Romans 13:1, which states that all souls should be subject to the higher powers established by God. The preacher also mentions Acts 5:29, where the apostles declared that they must obey God rather than men when faced with questioning from the high priest. He explains that rebellion against authority is rooted in Satan, who encourages rebellion in various areas of life such as the home, society, and the church. The preacher concludes by urging listeners to submit to the authorities God has placed over them to avoid fellowship with Satan.
We Can Overcome Satan
By Zac Poonen6461:04:25MAL 2:16MAT 5:27ROM 13:6EPH 4:31TI 2:91TI 3:2JAS 4:71JN 4:4
This sermon addresses the importance of maintaining high spiritual standards without falling into legalism. It emphasizes the need to hate sin, repent sincerely, and strive for Christ-likeness in all aspects of life. The sermon also discusses the church's stance on divorce and remarriage, highlighting the biblical standards and the need for forgiveness and restoration in affected families.
Day 156, Luke 20
By David Servant0DEU 25:5LUK 20:20LUK 20:46ROM 13:6David Servant discusses the spiritual insight of common folks in Jesus' time compared to the Jewish religious leaders, emphasizing the importance of genuine love for God and others over pursuing ministry as a career. He highlights the danger of misinterpreting parables by assigning spiritual significance to every detail and stresses the need to discern what details are intended to have spiritual significance. David also explores the lesson of being subject to ruling authorities, except when it contradicts God's commands, and the responsibility of Christians to participate in shaping laws in a democracy despite potential ungodly outcomes.
The Christian and His Country
By Timothy Tow0PSA 130:3PRO 24:21ROM 13:1ROM 13:61TI 2:11PE 2:17Timothy Tow delivers a sermon on 'The Christian and His Country' on the occasion of Singapore's 36th Anniversary, emphasizing the dual citizenship of Christians in the Kingdom of Heaven and their earthly country. He contrasts the living conditions in Singapore with the poverty in Cambodia, highlighting the importance of gratitude towards the government and God's blessings. Tow stresses the duty of submission to authorities, paying taxes, and serving one's nation with honor and loyalty, including fulfilling obligations like national service. He concludes with a call to pray for the nation's leaders, seeking peace, salvation, and God's guidance for a just and prosperous government.
The Splendor of the Saints' Rest
By Richard Baxter0ISA 61:6ROM 13:6ROM 15:16PHP 2:25HEB 1:7Greek Word Studies delves into the meaning of 'leitourgos', emphasizing its significance as a worker of the people, often associated with public duties and works of public use. This term is used in the New Testament to describe Paul, Epaphroditus, angels as God's ministers, and priests in the Jerusalem Temple. The concept of 'leitourgos' highlights the idea of serving in a religious capacity with solemnity and dignity, reflecting the authority of civil authorities as servants of God. The sermon explores the rich religious legacy of 'leitourgos' and its implications for both rulers and citizens, drawing parallels to historical figures like Cyrus, the Persian emperor, anointed by God to carry out His will.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For this cause pay ye tribute also - Because civil government is an order of God, and the ministers of state must be at considerable expense in providing for the safety and defense of the community, it is necessary that those in whose behalf these expenses are incurred should defray that expense; and hence nothing can be more reasonable than an impartial and moderate taxation, by which the expenses of the state may be defrayed, and the various officers, whether civil or military, who are employed for the service of the public, be adequately remunerated. All this is just and right, but there is no insinuation in the apostle's words in behalf of an extravagant and oppressive taxation, for the support of unprincipled and unnecessary wars; or the pensioning of corrupt or useless men. The taxes are to be paid for the support of those who are God's ministers - the necessary civil officers, from the king downwards, who are attending Continually on this very thing. And let the reader observe, that by God's ministers are not meant here the ministers of religion, but the civil officers in all departments of the state.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For, for this cause pay ye--rather, "ye pay" tribute also--that is, "This is the reason why ye pay the contributions requisite for maintaining the civil government." for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing--"to this very thing."
John Gill Bible Commentary
For, for this cause pay you tribute also,.... To show that we are subject to the higher powers, and as a proof and evidence of our subjection to them, we do and ought to pay tribute to them, to support them in their office and dignity; and this is done not for fear of trouble, of distress on goods and estate, or imprisonment of person, but for conscience sake: payment of taxes is not a mere matter of prudence, and done to avoid dangerous consequence, but is and ought to be a case of conscience; whatever is anyone's due, and of right belongs to him, conscience dictates it ought to be paid him; as therefore it tells a man, that whatever is God's should be rendered to him, so whatever is Caesar's, should be given him; and indeed to do otherwise, to refuse to pay tribute, or by any fraudulent means to deprive the civil magistrate of his due, is not only to do an injury to him, but to the whole body politic, which has a greater concern therein than he himself; and such a person forfeits all right and claim to his protection: for they are God's ministers. This is another reason why tribute should be paid them, not only to testify subjection to them, and keep conscience clear, but because they are called unto, and put into this high office by God; for promotion to such honour and high places comes not from east, west, north, or south; but is by the providence of God, who puts down, and sets up at pleasure; they are his vicegerents, they act under him, are in his stead, and represent his majesty; and therefore, in some sort, what is done to them is done to him: attending continually upon this very thing; not of laying, collecting, and receiving tribute, but of service and ministry under God, for the welfare of their subjects; for rightly to administer the office of magistracy requires great pains, care, diligence, and assiduity; and as great wisdom and thoughtfulness in making laws for the good of the body, so a diligent constant concern to put them in execution, to secure the lives of subjects from cut throats and murderers, and their properties and estates from thieves and robbers; and they are not only obliged diligently to attend to such service at home, but to keep a good lookout abroad, and penetrate into, and watch the designs of foreign enemies, to defend from their invasions, and fight for their country; that the inhabitants thereof may live peaceable and quiet lives, enjoying their respective rights and privileges; and since therefore civil government is a business of so much care, and since our rulers are so solicitous, and constantly concerned for our good, and which cannot be done without great expense, as well as diligence, we ought cheerfully to pay tribute to them.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
13:6 Pay your taxes: Jesus referred to paying taxes in his famous pronouncement about the disciples’ relationship to government (Matt 22:21). A tax revolt occurred in Rome at about the time that Paul was writing, so Paul’s whole discussion of the Christian’s responsibility to government might have been sparked by his knowledge that Roman Christians were participating in this tax revolt (see Tacitus, Annals 13).