Romans – Chapter 13

New Testament14 Verses

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.

Reflection for Today

The message of Romans Chapter 13 unfolds within the broader narrative of justification by faith and life in the Spirit. Catholic theology, drawing on Romans grounds Catholic teaching on grace and salvation (CIC 1987-1995), sees in this chapter a call to deeper faith. The principle that Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus guides our interpretation.

The Church Fathers, including St. Augustine, St. Jerome, and St. John Chrysostom, devoted themselves to explaining Scripture for the faithful. Their insights, preserved in the Church's Tradition, continue to illuminate our reading. The Catechism reminds us that "the Church has always venerated the divine Scriptures as she venerated the Body of the Lord" (CIC 103).

As you engage with this chapter, bring your questions, struggles, and hopes to the text. God's Word addresses the whole person—mind, heart, and will. Through the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, we receive the grace to live what we read. May this chapter strengthen your faith and deepen your love for Christ and His Church.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

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