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Romans 13:8
Verse
Context
Love Fulfills the Law
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.8Be indebted to no one, except to one another in love. For he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. 9The commandments “Do not commit adultery,” “Do not murder,” “Do not steal,” “Do not covet,” and any other commandments, are summed up in this one decree: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Owe no man any thing, but to love one another - In the preceding verses the apostle has been showing the duty, reverence, and obedience, which all Christians, from the highest to the lowest, owe to the civil magistrate; whether he be emperor, king, proconsul, or other state officer; here he shows them their duty to each other: but this is widely different from that which they owe to the civil government: to the first they owe subjection, reverence, obedience, and tribute; to the latter they owe nothing but mutual love, and those offices which necessarily spring from it. Therefore, the apostle says, Owe no man; as if he had said: Ye owe to your fellow brethren nothing but mutual love, and this is what the law of God requires, and in this the law is fulfilled. Ye are not bound in obedience to them as to the civil magistrate; for to him ye must needs be subject, not merely for fear of punishment, but for conscience sake: but to these ye are bound by love; and by that love especially which utterly prevents you from doing any thing by which a brother may sustain any kind of injury.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Owe no man anything, but to love one another--"Acquit yourselves of all obligations except love, which is a debt that must remain ever due" [HODGE]. for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law--for the law itself is but love in manifold action, regarded as matter of duty.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Owe no man anything,.... From the payment of dues to magistrates the apostle proceeds to a general exhortation to discharge all sorts of debts; as not to owe the civil magistrate any thing, but render to him his dues, so to owe nothing to any other man, but make good all obligations whatever, as of a civil, so of a natural kind. There are debts arising from the natural and civil relations subsisting among men, which should be discharged; as of the husband to the wife, the wife to the husband; parents to their children, children to their parents; masters to their servants, servants to their masters; one brother, friend, and neighbour, to another. Moreover, pecuniary debts may be here intended, such as are come into by borrowing, buying, commerce, and contracts; which though they cannot be avoided in carrying on worldly business, yet men ought to make conscience of paying them as soon as they are able: many an honest man may be in debt, and by one providence or another be disabled from payment, which is a grief of mind to him; but for men industriously to run into debt, and take no care to pay, but live upon the property and substance of others, is scandalous to them as men, and greatly unbecoming professors of religion, and brings great reproach upon the Gospel of Christ. But to love one another. This is the only debt never to be wholly discharged; for though it should be always paying, yet ought always to be looked upon as owing. Saints ought to love one another as such; to this they are obliged by the new commandment of Christ, by the love of God, and Christ unto them, by the relations they stand in to one another, as the children of God, brethren, and members of the same body; and which is necessary to keep them and the churches of Christ together, it being the bond of perfectness by which they are knit to one another; and for their comfort and honour, as well as to show the truth and reality of their profession. This debt should be always paying; saints should be continually serving one another in love, praying for each other, bearing one another's burdens, forbearing each other, and doing all good offices in things temporal and spiritual that lie in their power, and yet always owing; the obligation to it always remains. Christ's commandment is a new one, always new, and will never be antiquated; his and his Father's love always continue, and the relations believers stand in to each other are ever the same; and therefore love will be always paying, and always owing in heaven to all eternity. But what the apostle seems chiefly to respect, is love to one another as men, love to one another, to the neighbour, as the following verses show. Love is a debt we owe to every man, as a man, being all made of one blood, and in the image of God; so that not only such as are of the same family, live in the same neighbourhood, and belong to the same nation, but even all the individuals of mankind, yea, our very enemies are to share in our love; and as we have an opportunity and ability, are to show it by doing them good. For he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law; that is, not who loves some one particular person, but every other person besides himself, even his neighbour, in the largest sense of the word, including all mankind, and that as himself; such an one has fulfilled the law, the law of the decalogue; that part of it particularly which relates to the neighbour; the second table of the law, as the next verse shows: though since there is no true love of our neighbour without the love of God, nor no true love of God without the love of our neighbour; and since these two involve each other, and include the whole law, it may be understood of fulfilling every part of it, that is, of doing it; for fulfilling the law means doing it, or acting according to it; and so far as a man loves, so far he fulfils, that is, does it: but this is not, nor can it be done perfectly, which is evident, partly from the impotency of man, who is weak and without strength, yea, dead in sin, and unable to do any thing of himself; and partly from the extensiveness of the law, which reaches to the thoughts and desires of the heart, as well as to words and actions; as also from the imperfection of love, for neither love to God, nor love to one another, either as men or Christians, is perfect; and consequently the fulfilling of the law by it is not perfect: hence this passage yields nothing in favour of the doctrine of justification by works; since the best works are imperfect, even those that spring from love, for love itself is imperfect; and are not done as they are, in a man's own strength, and without the Spirit and grace of God. Christ only has fulfilled the law perfectly, both as to parts and degrees; and to him only should we look for a justifying righteousness.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
13:8-10 These verses discuss how believers relate to other people. If we truly love others, our actions will reflect all the commandments in the law that concern our relationships with other people. 13:8 The idea of obligation is the hinge that connects 13:1-7 and 13:8-10. Christians are to “give to everyone what [they] owe them” (13:7), and Christians always owe love to their neighbors. • Owe nothing to anyone: Debts are not sinful but should be avoided and, if incurred, should be promptly repaid so that the believer is free to serve in love (see Prov 22:7). • love one another: Believers are called to love all those they encounter (Rom 12:14-21; Luke 10:25-37), but the phrase especially emphasizes the love that each believer owes to other believers. • you will fulfill the requirements of God’s law: This teaching closely follows Jesus’ teaching in Matt 22:34-40.
Romans 13:8
Love Fulfills the Law
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.8Be indebted to no one, except to one another in love. For he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. 9The commandments “Do not commit adultery,” “Do not murder,” “Do not steal,” “Do not covet,” and any other commandments, are summed up in this one decree: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Justification by Works
By J. Vernon McGee5.5K44:45JHN 13:35ROM 12:15ROM 13:8ROM 14:191CO 15:58GAL 6:10PHP 4:4COL 3:9JAS 2:15In this sermon, Dr. J. Vernon McGee explores the topic of faith and works in the book of James. He begins by highlighting James' unique method of presenting an illustration before explaining the truth. McGee then discusses an illustration given by James, where he emphasizes the importance of providing for the physical needs of others rather than just offering empty words. He connects this illustration to Paul's teachings in Romans, showing that both James and Paul emphasize the importance of genuine faith being accompanied by good works. McGee concludes by emphasizing that true faith is verified by the presence of good works, such as regular church attendance, financial giving, and caring for the poor and needy.
(2006 Conference) 5.a Right Attitude to Money
By Zac Poonen3.2K1:00:48PRO 6:6LUK 16:13JHN 6:12ROM 13:81CO 10:262TH 3:101TI 6:7This sermon emphasizes the importance of being faithful with money, avoiding extremes of poverty or excessive wealth, and recognizing that money should not rule over our lives. It highlights the need to be balanced in our attitude towards money, to work hard, avoid wastage, and be faithful in financial matters to serve God effectively and receive true riches from Him.
(Basics) 48. Giving Everything to God
By Zac Poonen3.0K13:08DEU 8:18MAT 22:21LUK 14:33ROM 13:81CO 10:26In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being righteous and faithful in money matters. He encourages the audience to give back what is rightfully owed to others, including borrowed money and any cheated funds. The speaker also highlights the need to put God first in financial decisions and to be accountable for every rupee earned. He reminds the audience that all money ultimately belongs to God and that He is the one who gives the power to make money. The sermon concludes by encouraging the audience to make a covenant with God to be faithful with their finances and to trust that God will bless them.
(Basics) 61. Selfishness
By Zac Poonen2.9K12:48PRO 11:25MAT 6:33LUK 10:36ACT 20:35ROM 13:81TI 6:17JAS 1:17In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the seriousness of sin and its impact on our lives. He compares sin to various physical ailments, stating that sin is worse than sickness, including cancer and leprosy. The preacher then discusses a story from Luke's Gospel about a man who was beaten and left half dead on the road. Religious people, including a priest, ignored him, but an ordinary sinner showed compassion and helped him. The preacher concludes by highlighting the sin of selfishness and the importance of giving and serving others, as exemplified by Jesus' selfless life.
Love - the Heart of Christian Experience
By Bill McLeod2.7K37:22LoveMAT 22:37ROM 13:8ROM 13:10PHP 4:8In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of showing love and compassion to others. He uses a story of a man who is cold, hungry, and friendless, and how children come to him and offer empty words of comfort without actually helping him. The speaker then shares another story of a man who is beaten multiple times but continues to proclaim his love for his attackers. The speaker highlights the biblical truth that God is love and offers proof of this love through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. He challenges listeners to be involved and show love through their actions, just as God did by laying down his life for us.
Through the Bible - 2 Kings
By Zac Poonen2.4K57:112KI 5:22ROM 1:14ROM 13:82TI 1:6REV 2:20In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of fulfilling our debt of love towards one another, as stated in Romans 13:8. He highlights the idea that we owe it to others to share the gospel and the love of God with them. The speaker encourages believers to seek God and stir up the gifts of the Holy Spirit within them, including the gift of prophecy, in order to fulfill this debt. He also discusses the significance of using music in worship that lifts the spirit and directs people towards God, rather than focusing on admiration for the musician. The sermon concludes with a reminder that the Holy Spirit is all we need to do the Lord's work, and we should not underestimate its power.
(Pure Testimony) the Church as a Burning Bush
By Zac Poonen1.5K1:01:39PurityEXO 3:14PSA 37:4MAL 3:10MAT 6:33ROM 13:8PHP 4:4JUD 1:24In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the church and its role in evangelism. He defines evangelism as the act of making someone who is not a member of the body of Christ, a member of the body. The preacher challenges the use of certain theological concepts that are not found in the Bible and encourages a focus on building the church rather than material possessions. He highlights the attitude of Jesus and the apostles as the foundation of the church and emphasizes the significance of both the words of Jesus in the gospels and the epistles in understanding the truth.
(1 Corinthians) Overview to Chapter 13
By Brian Brodersen1.5K50:22MAT 6:33JHN 3:16ROM 13:8ROM 13:101CO 13:41JN 4:8In this sermon, the speaker shares his experience of preaching about the love of God to a group of people. Initially, he felt guilty for emphasizing God's love instead of His judgment and hatred of sin. However, he later realizes the importance of demonstrating God's love through his own life. The speaker also shares a story of a friend who had a profound impact on his coworkers by living out his faith. Overall, the sermon emphasizes the significance of both preaching and living out the message of God's love and judgment.
Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, Part One
By John Piper1.2K44:53MAT 6:33ROM 13:8ROM 13:111CO 6:6PHP 1:281TH 5:4In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the concept of time and its connection to love and behavior. He begins by emphasizing the need to understand the time that is being referred to in the passage. He highlights the importance of waking up from the distractions and illusions of the world and being aware of the present time. The speaker then explores the implications of this time for our behavior, emphasizing the need to cast off works of darkness and put on the armor of light. He concludes by urging the listeners to put on the Lord Jesus Christ and not to indulge in the desires of the flesh.
Spiritual Insights 03 Rom 13:8
By William MacDonald1.2K45:21Spiritual Insights2KI 4:8PRO 22:7MAT 5:16MAT 22:37JHN 3:20ACT 4:29ROM 13:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of wisdom and obedience to God's word. He contrasts the actions of wise individuals who seek to please the Lord with the foolishness of those who only seek to please themselves. The preacher also highlights the need for Christians to be realistic while still maintaining their idealism for perfection. He uses various examples, such as the imperfections in the world and the flaws in every person, to illustrate this point. Additionally, the preacher draws inspiration from the early Christians who did not wait for circumstances to change before serving God, but instead chose to glorify Him in their present circumstances.
The Church as a Burning Bush
By Zac Poonen1.2K1:01:39PSA 37:4ISA 66:2LUK 15:7ROM 13:81TI 5:21JUD 1:24This sermon emphasizes the importance of building a church that reflects God's standards of purity and righteousness, focusing on the need to tremble at God's word, be humble, and avoid partiality. It challenges believers to let the words of Scripture become flesh in their lives, to serve sacrificially, and to seek a church that is a testimony to every verse of the Bible. The speaker shares personal examples of transformation and commitment to living out God's word.
Put on the Lord, Jesus Christ, Part Two
By John Piper1.1K50:51MAT 6:33ROM 13:8ROM 13:112CO 4:6In this sermon, Pastor John Piper emphasizes the urgency of waking up from spiritual slumber and recognizing the reality of Christ's coming. He compares those without Christ to skydivers who are exhilarated by the thrill of life but have no parachutes, facing the wrath of God. The message calls for believers to let the light of the Gospel shine and awaken others to the glory of Christ. The sermon is based on Romans 13:11-14, which urges believers to cast off the works of darkness, walk properly, and put on the Lord Jesus Christ.
Fulfillment of the Law
By Bill McLeod1.0K39:35Law Of GodMAT 22:39ROM 13:8ROM 13:10EPH 4:321PE 1:221PE 4:8In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a man who was called by God to spread the word among English people. The man started off on foot, then progressed to a horse and eventually a car, but every Saturday he would go door to door, trying to win people to Christ. The preacher emphasizes the importance of having fervent love among believers, as love covers a multitude of sins. He encourages looking for the good in others and helping them in their struggles. The sermon also highlights the danger of hypocritical love and the need to love in truth and action, not just in words. The preacher references various Bible verses, including 1 Peter 4:8, Romans 12:9, 1 John 3:18, and Ezekiel 33:31, to support his message.
Spiritual Riches Through Faithfulness With Money
By Zac Poonen8171:17:42ROM 13:8This sermon emphasizes the importance of being faithful with money and living within one's means, highlighting the dangers of greed and the need to be generous towards God and others. It draws parallels between biblical examples like Achan, Gehazi, Judas Iscariot, Ananias, and Sapphira who faced consequences for their unfaithfulness with money. The speaker shares personal experiences of financial discipline and spiritual growth, encouraging listeners to seek spiritual riches by being faithful with finances.
Love
By Bill McLeod80842:16LoveROM 13:8ROM 13:10EPH 1:15COL 1:41TI 1:51JN 4:81JN 4:16In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a man named Justin who led a member of a notorious gang to Christ without knowing his identity. Later, the gang members confront Justin and physically assault him as a punishment. Despite this, Justin continues to show love and kindness to his neighbors, even when they reject him. The speaker emphasizes that love is the answer to dealing with evil and that God's nature is love. The sermon references Bible verses from Romans and 1 John to support the message.
The Love of Money - Part 4
By Zac Poonen76208:45DEU 15:6LUK 17:27LUK 19:8LUK 19:23ROM 13:8This sermon emphasizes the importance of financial wisdom and stewardship, drawing lessons from the simplicity and wisdom of Jesus' life. It highlights the principles of buying only what is needed, avoiding debt, saving for the future, and giving generously. The sermon also stresses the significance of giving back money earned wrongfully and aligning our financial practices with biblical teachings.
(Ephesians) Walking in Love
By Brian Brodersen63258:35MAT 22:37MAT 22:39JHN 13:34ROM 13:8EPH 4:321JN 4:7In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of working together with others in the Christian life and ministry. He highlights the impact of media, such as MTV, on the mentality of youth and the need for the Word of God in Poland. The speaker shares his mission to teach the Bible, preach the gospel, and establish a church in Poland. He encourages listeners to rely on God's grace and shares the story of Jim Elliott and his companions who were called to minister to the Alka Indians in South America. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of studying the Scriptures, particularly the Gospels, to understand and observe God's character through Jesus Christ.
Revelation and the Way of the Cross
By Zac Poonen6151:23:23EZK 16:48MAT 10:38LUK 9:23JHN 12:24ROM 13:8This sermon emphasizes the importance of justification by faith, highlighting Martin Luther's stand against salvation by works. It delves into the truth that our righteousness is like filthy rags and that boasting in our own righteousness is futile. The sermon warns against seeking self-interest and the need to deny oneself, take up the cross daily, and follow Christ. It stresses the balance between being justified by faith and pursuing holiness, cautioning against legalism and the dangers of seeking personal gain over God's interests.
Seeing Material Things From Gods Viewpoint
By Zac Poonen4691:13:46PRO 6:6MAT 6:24LUK 16:11ROM 13:82CO 8:121TI 5:8This sermon emphasizes the importance of having a righteous and faithful approach towards handling money, drawing insights from biblical teachings. It highlights the need to trust God for provision, be honest in financial matters, and prioritize family needs. The speaker shares personal experiences of starting with nothing and trusting God for all needs, demonstrating the faithfulness of God in providing. The sermon challenges listeners to align their perspective on money with God's viewpoint, focusing on righteousness, faithfulness, and honoring God in financial stewardship.
Motivating Power of Love
By Ken Baird40942:47ROM 8:1ROM 13:81TH 1:11JN 4:19REV 1:5In this sermon, the preacher discusses the motivating power of love. He acknowledges that while faith is often emphasized, the power of love is equally important. The sermon is divided into three sections: love as the secret of a godly life, love as the motivation for our service, and love as the foundation for worship. The preacher emphasizes that the love of God, which is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, is the driving force behind a godly life and our service to others. He also highlights the importance of dwelling on God's love for us as a way to cultivate our love for Him. The sermon concludes by emphasizing that fear is not a proper motivation for obedience, but rather love should be the driving force in our relationship with God.
Lessons From Elisha 02 I Am Debtor
By Joseph Balsan37950:35GEN 22:2LUK 7:41JHN 13:34JHN 15:9ROM 13:8ROM 13:10REV 20:12In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of being a debtor in the Christian life. He uses the story of a widow and her two sons who were in danger of being enslaved to pay their debt as an analogy. The preacher emphasizes that the Christian life is not one of slavery or bondage, but rather a supernatural life. He encourages individuals to be stirred up and to share their testimony with others, as it can have a powerful impact on someone's salvation. The sermon also includes a personal anecdote about a difficult situation in a church and the importance of loving one another.
The Law and Love
By Ernest C. Reisinger6759:55Obedience to GodLoveLaw and LoveJHN 13:34JHN 14:15JHN 14:21JHN 15:10ROM 13:8Ernest C. Reisinger emphasizes the inseparable relationship between God's law and love in his sermon 'The Law and Love.' He argues that true love for God is demonstrated through obedience to His commandments, as highlighted in John 14:15 and 21. Reisinger warns against the false dichotomy that separates law from love, asserting that love is not merely an emotion but is expressed through adherence to God's moral standards. He stresses that the essence of Christian conduct is rooted in both love and law, which are meant to complement each other rather than exist in opposition. The preacher calls for discernment in understanding this relationship to avoid the errors of antinomianism and sentimentalism.
Being in Debt
By Charles Finney0DebtFinancial ResponsibilityPSA 37:21PRO 3:27PRO 22:7ECC 5:5MAT 5:37MAT 6:24LUK 16:10ROM 13:8GAL 6:71TI 6:10Charles Finney addresses the issue of debt, emphasizing that being in debt is a sin against God and a violation of His commands. He explains that the only obligation we should owe to others is love, and that failing to pay debts is unjust and dishonest. Finney urges those in debt to make sacrifices to fulfill their obligations and warns against the dangers of the credit system, which can lead to moral compromise. He calls for a reformation within the Church regarding financial responsibilities, asserting that true religion must influence our business practices.
The Entanglements of Love
By J.R. Miller0Service to OthersLoveLUK 6:32ROM 13:8J.R. Miller emphasizes the profound obligation of love we owe to others, highlighting that love is not merely a sentiment but a duty that binds us to serve those around us, regardless of their character or how they treat us. He stresses that our neighbors are anyone in need, and true Christian love requires us to act in service, fulfilling the law of love by considering the rights and needs of others. Miller warns against the dangers of self-interest and encourages us to embrace opportunities for service, asserting that in giving love, we actually enrich our own hearts. He reminds us that neglecting the needs of others is a serious failing, as love is demonstrated through action and service.
Owe No Man Anything
By William MacDonald0Christian LoveFinancial ResponsibilityPRO 22:7MAT 6:24LUK 14:28ROM 1:14ROM 13:82CO 9:7PHP 4:191TI 6:10HEB 13:51JN 3:16William MacDonald emphasizes the importance of financial responsibility in his sermon 'Owe No Man Anything,' interpreting Romans 13:8 to mean that while some debts are unavoidable, Christians must avoid unnecessary debt and live within their means. He warns against the dangers of overspending, borrowing for depreciating assets, and the consequences of financial irresponsibility, which can harm one's testimony as a Christian. MacDonald highlights that the only debt Christians should maintain is the obligation to love one another, which fulfills the law and strengthens community bonds.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Owe no man any thing, but to love one another - In the preceding verses the apostle has been showing the duty, reverence, and obedience, which all Christians, from the highest to the lowest, owe to the civil magistrate; whether he be emperor, king, proconsul, or other state officer; here he shows them their duty to each other: but this is widely different from that which they owe to the civil government: to the first they owe subjection, reverence, obedience, and tribute; to the latter they owe nothing but mutual love, and those offices which necessarily spring from it. Therefore, the apostle says, Owe no man; as if he had said: Ye owe to your fellow brethren nothing but mutual love, and this is what the law of God requires, and in this the law is fulfilled. Ye are not bound in obedience to them as to the civil magistrate; for to him ye must needs be subject, not merely for fear of punishment, but for conscience sake: but to these ye are bound by love; and by that love especially which utterly prevents you from doing any thing by which a brother may sustain any kind of injury.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Owe no man anything, but to love one another--"Acquit yourselves of all obligations except love, which is a debt that must remain ever due" [HODGE]. for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law--for the law itself is but love in manifold action, regarded as matter of duty.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Owe no man anything,.... From the payment of dues to magistrates the apostle proceeds to a general exhortation to discharge all sorts of debts; as not to owe the civil magistrate any thing, but render to him his dues, so to owe nothing to any other man, but make good all obligations whatever, as of a civil, so of a natural kind. There are debts arising from the natural and civil relations subsisting among men, which should be discharged; as of the husband to the wife, the wife to the husband; parents to their children, children to their parents; masters to their servants, servants to their masters; one brother, friend, and neighbour, to another. Moreover, pecuniary debts may be here intended, such as are come into by borrowing, buying, commerce, and contracts; which though they cannot be avoided in carrying on worldly business, yet men ought to make conscience of paying them as soon as they are able: many an honest man may be in debt, and by one providence or another be disabled from payment, which is a grief of mind to him; but for men industriously to run into debt, and take no care to pay, but live upon the property and substance of others, is scandalous to them as men, and greatly unbecoming professors of religion, and brings great reproach upon the Gospel of Christ. But to love one another. This is the only debt never to be wholly discharged; for though it should be always paying, yet ought always to be looked upon as owing. Saints ought to love one another as such; to this they are obliged by the new commandment of Christ, by the love of God, and Christ unto them, by the relations they stand in to one another, as the children of God, brethren, and members of the same body; and which is necessary to keep them and the churches of Christ together, it being the bond of perfectness by which they are knit to one another; and for their comfort and honour, as well as to show the truth and reality of their profession. This debt should be always paying; saints should be continually serving one another in love, praying for each other, bearing one another's burdens, forbearing each other, and doing all good offices in things temporal and spiritual that lie in their power, and yet always owing; the obligation to it always remains. Christ's commandment is a new one, always new, and will never be antiquated; his and his Father's love always continue, and the relations believers stand in to each other are ever the same; and therefore love will be always paying, and always owing in heaven to all eternity. But what the apostle seems chiefly to respect, is love to one another as men, love to one another, to the neighbour, as the following verses show. Love is a debt we owe to every man, as a man, being all made of one blood, and in the image of God; so that not only such as are of the same family, live in the same neighbourhood, and belong to the same nation, but even all the individuals of mankind, yea, our very enemies are to share in our love; and as we have an opportunity and ability, are to show it by doing them good. For he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law; that is, not who loves some one particular person, but every other person besides himself, even his neighbour, in the largest sense of the word, including all mankind, and that as himself; such an one has fulfilled the law, the law of the decalogue; that part of it particularly which relates to the neighbour; the second table of the law, as the next verse shows: though since there is no true love of our neighbour without the love of God, nor no true love of God without the love of our neighbour; and since these two involve each other, and include the whole law, it may be understood of fulfilling every part of it, that is, of doing it; for fulfilling the law means doing it, or acting according to it; and so far as a man loves, so far he fulfils, that is, does it: but this is not, nor can it be done perfectly, which is evident, partly from the impotency of man, who is weak and without strength, yea, dead in sin, and unable to do any thing of himself; and partly from the extensiveness of the law, which reaches to the thoughts and desires of the heart, as well as to words and actions; as also from the imperfection of love, for neither love to God, nor love to one another, either as men or Christians, is perfect; and consequently the fulfilling of the law by it is not perfect: hence this passage yields nothing in favour of the doctrine of justification by works; since the best works are imperfect, even those that spring from love, for love itself is imperfect; and are not done as they are, in a man's own strength, and without the Spirit and grace of God. Christ only has fulfilled the law perfectly, both as to parts and degrees; and to him only should we look for a justifying righteousness.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
13:8-10 These verses discuss how believers relate to other people. If we truly love others, our actions will reflect all the commandments in the law that concern our relationships with other people. 13:8 The idea of obligation is the hinge that connects 13:1-7 and 13:8-10. Christians are to “give to everyone what [they] owe them” (13:7), and Christians always owe love to their neighbors. • Owe nothing to anyone: Debts are not sinful but should be avoided and, if incurred, should be promptly repaid so that the believer is free to serve in love (see Prov 22:7). • love one another: Believers are called to love all those they encounter (Rom 12:14-21; Luke 10:25-37), but the phrase especially emphasizes the love that each believer owes to other believers. • you will fulfill the requirements of God’s law: This teaching closely follows Jesus’ teaching in Matt 22:34-40.