“This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing.” Romans 13:6 “Pay taxes” is a command that Jesus also provides in Matthew 22:15–22. “God’s servants” is a priestly term that elevates both the source of authority and the responsibility of those in power. Paul…
“He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” 2 Corinthians 3:6 The letter is a reference to the old covenant … that is, the Ten Commandments, written on stone. “Ministers” is a Greek word meaning “slave”…
“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.” Romans 13:1 God has ordained that there should be “governing authorities”, and every believer is to be subject to these various authorities, even if these authorities are…
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9 “But you” … these words provide a direct contrast to the previous verse, a contrast between those who believe…
“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people…” Ephesians 1:18 “Eyes of your heart may be enlightened” … physicians in ancient times believed that the eye had a…