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Romans 13 General Notes
Structure and formatting
In the first part of this chapter, Paul teaches Christians to obey rulers who govern them. At that time, ungodly Roman rulers governed the land. (See: rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/godly)
Special concepts in this chapter
Ungodly rulers
Some readers will find it difficult to understand what Paul teaches about obeying rulers, especially if they are in places where rulers persecute the church. Christians must obey their rulers as well as obey God, unless the rulers do not allow Christians to do something God explicitly commands them to do. There are times when a believer must submit to these rulers and suffer at their hands. Christians understand that this world is temporary and they will ultimately be with God forever. (See: rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/eternity)
Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter
Flesh
This is a complex issue. "Flesh" is possibly a metaphor for our sinful nature. Paul is not teaching that our physical bodies are sinful. Paul appears to be teaching that as long as Christians are alive ("in the flesh"), we will continue to sin. But our new nature will be fighting against our old nature. (See: rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/flesh and rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin)