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Romans Commentary Chapters 1-8  /  Romans 6:8-15 We Must Not Let Sin Rule Over US  /  Discussion Questions
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Question 2
Since Bercot argues Paul’s “owe” connects back to owing “taxes and honor” to governing authorities (and says this is clearer in Greek with *ophilo/opheile*), how does that context reshape the way Christians should talk about civic obligations without making government ultimate?
Another way to ask: If Paul’s “owe” is mainly about owing taxes and honor to the government, how should Christians talk about civic duties without acting like the government is the highest authority?

Direct Answer The transcript suggests Christians should speak of civic obligations as real “dues” (taxes and honor) that believers render, while still framing rulers as subordinate instruments—“ministers of God”—rather than ultimate authorities.

Support from Transcript:

  • Bercot says Paul is “still referring to owing taxes and honor to the governing authorities,” so “owe no one anything” is connected to civic responsibilities.
  • He argues the Greek shows continuity: *ophilo* is “the verb form” of *opheile*, which Paul used in the preceding verse.
  • The Apostolic Constitutions apply it explicitly: “Render to them…offerings, customs, honor, gifts, and taxes.”
  • The same quote grounds this in God’s command: “For this is God’s command that you owe nothing to anyone except the debt of love.”
  • Earthly rulers are described as “the ministers of God and the punishers of the ungodly,” placing them under God’s purpose.
Discussion Follow-ups How can Christians affirm paying what is due without turning politics into a savior-religion? What does it sound like to honor authorities while keeping love as the “never-ending” debt?

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