Romans 13

“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of…” The verse names God rather than leaving the action without a source. Watch whether the next line continues, answers, or contrasts that action.

“Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to…” The command cannot be understood from the verb alone. Its recipient, purpose, and place in the larger covenant or argument define the responsibility.

“For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which…” The question slows the passage down. Notice who is being pressed to answer, what the question assumes, and whether the next lines provide a response.

“For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the…” This line supplies a reason, result, or conclusion. It should stay attached to the claim or action that gives it meaning.

“Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.” This line supplies a reason, result, or conclusion. It should stay attached to the claim or action that gives it meaning.

“For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.” This line supplies a reason, result, or conclusion. It should stay attached to the claim or action that gives it meaning.

“Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour…” Naming Render keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.” The number one makes the report concrete. Ask whether it measures time, people, distance, repetition, or completeness before deciding what weight it carries.

“For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false…” This line supplies a reason, result, or conclusion. It should stay attached to the claim or action that gives it meaning.

“Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.” Naming Love keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when…” The line’s distinctive content terms include time, awake, believed. Its relationship to verses 10 and 12 shows what work it does in this passage.

“The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the…” The command cannot be understood from the verb alone. Its recipient, purpose, and place in the larger covenant or argument define the responsibility.

“Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife…” The command cannot be understood from the verb alone. Its recipient, purpose, and place in the larger covenant or argument define the responsibility.

“But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.” Naming Christ and Jesus keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.