Lesson 202: Romans 13:8
Lesson 202: Romans 13:8
Romans 13:8
The Blueprint — The Verse
Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.
Memorization Practice
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The Context — The History
Paul writes to Christians in the capital of empire about civil obedience and neighbor love. Roman society ran on debt and patronage; Paul names love as the one obligation that never ends.
The Narrative — The Lead-Up
After teaching submission to governing authorities and paying taxes, Paul summarizes the commandments as fulfilled in love of neighbor. Only the debt to love remains permanently outstanding.
The Echo — Follow-on Verses
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Romans 13:7
Therefore give everyone what you owe: if you owe taxes, pay taxes; if customs, then customs; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
Shown in World English Bible (WEB).
Read the verse immediately before this lesson (Romans 13:7) to hear the lead-in to the passage.
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Romans 13:9
For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other commandments there are, are all summed up in this saying, namely, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Shown in World English Bible (WEB).
Read the verse immediately after this lesson (Romans 13:9) to continue the passage.
Discussion
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Who is hardest for you to love consistently?
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How does love fulfill the law without ignoring justice?
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What 'debts' distract you from loving others?