Romans - session 5
Chapters 13 - 16
![Picture](/uploads/2/6/6/8/26685224/2821486.jpg?432)
In my study Bible, chapter 13 has a heading that reads "Submission to the Authorities". Paul was facing problems among the church members. (One can understand today how many disagreements their are between religions. Now, we even face disagreements within our own denominations.) At the time that Paul wrote this letter, the Roman authorities were allowing all religions to continue worshiping as they believed. However, when Nero came into power things changed. Paul continued to discourage active rebellion, but was imprisoned and martyred for his missionary cause, the cause of Jesus Christ. For a season, he did obey the leaders of Rome. Yet, when under Emperor Nero he was forbidden to speak out in the name of Christ, he quietly and consistently continued to do so. Nero was furious, and could blame much of the trouble in Rome on the Christians. This is documented for us by historians.
In chapter 13 verses 8-14, Paul uses the explanation that Jesus gave about the ten commandments. They are summed up in the "great two": love God, and love your neighbor.
In chapter 13 verses 8-14, Paul uses the explanation that Jesus gave about the ten commandments. They are summed up in the "great two": love God, and love your neighbor.
Love is, therefore, the fulfillment of the law. (Romans 13:10)
Paul believed that the second coming of Christ was near. "Put aside the deeds of darkness, and put on the armor of light." (Romans 13:12) Often I have used this verse, along with others, to encourage Christians who have become complacent in their view of the life they have chosen to live.
In chapter 14, Paul encouraged Christians to be tolerant of those who followed different customs within the Christian "family". He reminded all of the generations of Believers who came after him, including us . . . "do not destroy [the faith of] your brother for whom Christ [also] died." His primary message was to BUILD UP THE FAITH of one's brother or sister.
In chapter 14, Paul encouraged Christians to be tolerant of those who followed different customs within the Christian "family". He reminded all of the generations of Believers who came after him, including us . . . "do not destroy [the faith of] your brother for whom Christ [also] died." His primary message was to BUILD UP THE FAITH of one's brother or sister.
May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Paul finishes this letter with his hope of coming to Rome. ". . .I have been longing for many years to see you . . . I hope to visit you while passing through." (Romans 15: 23-24) When he did get to Rome, being sent for trial by the authorities in Israel, he spent the rest of his life there. When he wrote this letter, he was on a mercy mission for the Jews in Jerusalem. We will read more of that in 2nd Corinthians. I was always amazed at the many friends to whom he sent greetings in chapter 16. We find out in another letter that only a few kept up with him and came to see him during his last months in a Roman prison.
Does anyone have any feedback on why Paul was deserted by fellow Christians at the end of his life? Were they afraid of Roman retaliation to be called his friends?
Paul ends this letter with,
Does anyone have any feedback on why Paul was deserted by fellow Christians at the end of his life? Were they afraid of Roman retaliation to be called his friends?
Paul ends this letter with,
Now, to Him, who is able to establish you by the Gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past . . . to the only wise God, be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.