Romans – Chapter 13

New Testament14 Verses

Chapter Summary

"Let every soul be subject to higher powers. For there is no power but from God: and those that are ordained of God." — so begins Romans 13. Across its 14 verses, two threads run through the text: love and charity and sin and divine judgment. Taken as a whole, the chapter forms one movement in the account, preparing what follows and completing what came before.

1Let every soul be subject to higher powers. For there is no power but from God: and those that are ordained of God.

2Therefore, he that resisteth the power resisteth the ordinance of God. And they that resist purchase to themselves damnation.

3For princes are not a terror to the good work, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? Do that which is good: and thou shalt have praise from the same.

4For he is God's minister to thee, for good. But if thou do that which is evil, fear: for he beareth not the sword in vain. For he is God's minister: an avenger to execute wrath upon him that doth evil.

5Wherefore be subject of necessity: not only for wrath, but also for conscience' sake.

6For therefore also you pay tribute. For they are the ministers of God, serving unto this purpose.

7Render therefore to all men their dues. Tribute, to whom tribute is due: custom, to whom custom: fear, to whom fear: honour, to whom honour.

8Owe no man any thing, but to love one another. For he that loveth his neighbour hath fulfilled the law.

9For: Thou shalt not commit adultery: Thou shalt not kill: Thou shalt not steal: Thou shalt not bear false witness: Thou shalt not covet. And if there be any other commandment, it is comprised in this word: Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

10The love of our neighbour worketh no evil. Love therefore is the fulfilling of the law.

11And that, knowing the season, that it is now the hour for us to rise from sleep. For now our salvation is nearer than when we believed.

12The night is passed And the day is at hand. Let us, therefore cast off the works of darkness and put on the armour of light.

13Let us walk honestly, as in the day: not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and impurities, not in contention and envy.

14But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ: and make not provision for the flesh in its concupiscences.

Important Verses in Romans 13

Let every soul be subject to higher powers. For there is no power but from God: and those that are ordained of God.

Romans 13:1

For he is God's minister to thee, for good. But if thou do that which is evil, fear: for he beareth not the sword in vain. For he is God's minister: an avenger to execute wrath upon him that doth evil.

Romans 13:4

And that, knowing the season, that it is now the hour for us to rise from sleep. For now our salvation is nearer than when we believed.

Romans 13:11

But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ: and make not provision for the flesh in its concupiscences.

Romans 13:14

Historical Context

As a New Testament book, Romans was written with the Christian community in Rome, both Jewish and Gentile believers in view. Chapter 13 of 16 moves toward the climax of the book as earlier promises and conflicts converge. It is a apostolic teaching addressed to a Christian community with 14 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. The passage starts with these words: "Let every soul be subject to higher powers. For there is no power but from God: and those that are ordained of God." The chapter ends with: "But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ: and make not provision for the flesh in its concupiscences. " The wider setting of Romans is this: Paul's longest and most systematic letter, written to prepare his visit to the capital of the empire. The book's material reflects the era summarized as follows: About AD 57-58, from Corinth.

Who Wrote It

The Apostle Paul, written through the scribe Tertius

When It Was Written

About AD 57-58, from Corinth

Catholic Commentary

At the literal level, this chapter addresses specific questions facing early Christian communities. A pivotal line is verse 1: "Let every soul be subject to higher powers. For there is no power but from God: and those that are ordained of God." The passage repeatedly touches on love and charity.

The Church teaches that every passage of Scripture must be read in light of Christ and the Magisterium (CIC 1604). Here, Romans grounds Catholic teaching on grace and salvation (CIC 1987-1995). The spiritual sense invites believers to recognize love and charity as part of God's pedagogy of salvation.

For Christians today, the chapter's lesson is clear: Love of God and love of neighbor sum up the whole law and reveal the very nature of God.. The Church invites us to receive this word not as antiquarian information but as living Scripture proclaimed at Mass and prayed in lectio divina.

Main Teachings

  • Love of God and love of neighbor sum up the whole law and reveal the very nature of God.
  • Sin has real consequences, but God's judgment always aims at conversion and restoration.
  • Faith is a gift and a decision: entrusting ourselves entirely to God and to His promises.

Reflection for Today

Catholic exegesis approaches Romans Chapter 13 with reverence, seeking both the literal sense and the spiritual meaning ordered to Christ.

Catholic theology recognizes that justification by faith and life in the Spirit is not an abstract idea but a reality encountered in prayer, sacraments, and charity. This chapter contributes to that vision by stressing forgiveness and reconciliation.

May your reading of Romans Chapter 13 become true lectio divina: read the words, meditate on their meaning, respond in prayer, and rest in God's presence. Ask the Holy Spirit to show how Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus applies to your life today.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Romans Chapter 13 about?

Romans 13 contains 14 verses. It opens with "Let every soul be subject to higher powers. For there is no power but from God: and those that are ordained of God." and closes with "But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ: and make not provision for the flesh in its concupiscences. ". The book as a whole is epistle.

What is a key verse in Romans 13?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "Let every soul be subject to higher powers. For there is no power but from God: and those that are ordained of God." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who wrote Romans and when?

The Apostle Paul, written through the scribe Tertius. About AD 57-58, from Corinth.

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