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NASB | Romans 13:7 Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Romans 13:7 Pay to all what is due: tax to whom tax is due, customs to whom customs, respect to whom respect, honor to whom honor. |
Bible Question: Are there exceptions to these commands? If yes, how can we be sure we're not just rationalizing imperfect fleshly desires? If no, how can we explain the approval and participation by America's Christian founders in the Boston tea party and other actions? |
Bible Answer: Hi, bstudent3! The world would be a wonderful utopian state if all men (including all women) would adhere to a code of love, respect and peace... Sadly, not even in the best of families do we find siblings living such utopian ideals. This does not distract from Jesus command: 'For I tell you, if your uprightness does not surpass that of the scribes and Pharisses, you will never get into the kingdom of Heaven. (Matthew 5:20) Clearly, Jesus understood that there would be arm forces surrounding His disciples, and that He would find disciples entrenched in the apparatus of war (Matthew 8:5-13; compare with Luke 7:2-10); but Jesus is not concerned with removing His disciples from the world, no His concern is that we stay true to His Word (John 17:15-23). This is not to say that we are to sway with whatever the whims of the world may be, at whatever particular moment... Peter, once protected and nurtured by the Holy Spirit, had a clear understanding of this (Acts 5:29), and he behaved accordingly! (Acts 5:40-42) It could be argued that Paul is saying that we are to allow the established authority to brazenly abuse and oppress us (Romans 13:1-6)... But Paul is saying that they have been established by God and are God's servants... would God have established a body of authority that would oppressed the poor and give free reign to their kin and associates? Would God rejoice at the exploitation and abuse of the indigent and defenseless? Those in authority have full power and support of the Law (Divine and temporal) but only to the extent of wheeling its authority in justice (Divine Justice): Listen then, kings, and understand; rulers of remotests lands, take warning; hear this, you who govern great populations, taking pride in your hosts of subject nations! For sovereignty is given to you by the Lord and power by the Most High, who will himself probe your acts and scrutinise your intentions. If therefore, as servants of his kingdom, you have not ruled justly not observed the law, nor followed the will of God, he will fall on you swiftly and terribly. On the highly placed a ruthless judgement falls; the lowly are pardoned, out of pity, but the mighty will be mightily tormented. For the Lord of all does not cower before anyone, he does not stand in awe of greatness, since he himself has made small and great and provides for all alike; but a searching trial awaits those who wield power. So, monarchs, my words are meant for you, so that you may learn wisdom and not fall into error; for those who in holiness observe holy things will be adjudged holy, and, accepting instruction from them, will find their defence in them. Set your heart, therfore, on what I have to say, listen with a will, and you will be instructed. (Wisdom 6:1-11) God Bless! Angel |
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Questions and/or Subjects for Rom 13:7 | Author | ||
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bstudent3 | ||
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JCrichton | ||
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ralph2 | ||
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worleybird72 | ||
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butlerad | ||
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brother paul |