Useful Bible Studies > Romans Commentary > chapter 13
Many people may behave well, before the night begins. They may be too busy to carry out their true desires. Or perhaps they do not want other people to see their wrong and evil actions. So when they relax, in the darkness of the night, their behaviour suddenly becomes much worse.
Christians belong to the day, says Paul (compare 1 Thessalonians 5:5-8). There will be no night and no darkness in the New Jerusalem, where God’s rule is complete (Revelation 21:23-25). Christians are the people who accept God’s rule over their lives now. So Christians should not be guilty of evil behaviour, even in this world.
Most Christians understand quite well how God wants them to live. Perhaps they behave well during the day, when they are busy. However, in the evening when they start to relax, they do many wrong things.
When people start to relax, they often try to please themselves. It is that kind of attitude that Paul warns against. Christians should not try to please themselves; that is a selfish attitude. Rather, their desire always should be to please God (2 Corinthians 5:9).
Paul probably wrote the Book of Romans while he was in Corinth. From the experiences of Christians there, Paul knew about the kinds of wrong behaviour that often tempt eager young Christians. All the wrong acts that he mentions in Romans 13:13 had been happening among Christians at Corinth. However, with the help of Titus, Paul had successfully urged them to turn back to God (2 Corinthians 7:6-16). God is eager to forgive us when we are willing, with his help, to stop our evil deeds (1 John 1:9).
Next part: 'Put on' Christ (Romans 13:14)
Please use the links at the top of the page to find our other articles in this series. You can download all our articles if you go to the download page for our free 1000+ page course book.
© 2022, Keith Simons.