first thing first, let's talk about the background or historical settings when Paul said these things. The background is a persecuted church, they were being persecuted because they're somewhat trying to establish their own kingdom (of god), we could imagine that back then they're starting to think of refusing to pay tax, and other civil responsibilities. These things irked Roman government and this brought out the said persecution.
It seemed that Paul sent this letter for three purposes:
1. cooling down the rage of a persecuted church (Romans 12:17 put that even clearer).
2. changing that church's mindset a bit on the concept of kingdom of God itself (you should keep on paying taxes, dummies!)
3. telling the church that instead of focusing on your rage, your refusal to pay taxes, etc.. channel that instead on doing what Christians are supposed to do.. and the end of days is near anyway (Romans 13:8-14).
It seemed to us, that the whole Romans 13 should be put into this context, and as such we don't think it has anything to do with bad government, good government, "if our government is really evil, does this mean that we are not allowed to struggle against it no matter what?" and such things. It's just not in the current context.
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Sunday, July 8, 2007
Romans 12
NIV
1Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.
>> In view of God's mercy... This has more to do with the follow up actions that you would do after God gave His mercy to you. Mercy is salvation related, mind you.
>> Sacrifice : You are sacrificing something. In the past, you are sacrificing your stock (fowl, etc). Now, you are sacrificing yourself. Life wouldnt be the same anymore, would it.
NASB
2And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
>> 'world' = it is not as simple as 'going to the cinema', 'going to the discotique" etc. But it relates to what is wrong in God's view.
Lots of Christians degrade themselves to the old way of living, thus 'creating' law on their own.
In Corinthians, you are judged on your fruits, whether in the end it is constructive or not.
NASB
13contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.
>> saints = any believers. It's not saint nick with red clothes bringing stash of good stuff for yer kids.
NASB
16 Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly Do not be wise in your own estimation.
We prefer this translation to the Indonesian one. The Indonesian version implies a collective action of Christians as a whole towards one another. NASB, KJV imply that you put one another on the same level, thus further comment on that verse.
NIV implies you to live in harmony, this conforms with the above.. You put any other else on the same level.. You'll live in harmony.
NASB
17Never pay back evil for evil to anyone Respect what is right in the sight of all men.
NIV
17Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.
KJV
17Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
>> The background of the book of Romans is a persecuted church, thus they had to *be careful* and on the same time be *respectful* to the things believed by most of people.
1Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.
>> In view of God's mercy... This has more to do with the follow up actions that you would do after God gave His mercy to you. Mercy is salvation related, mind you.
>> Sacrifice : You are sacrificing something. In the past, you are sacrificing your stock (fowl, etc). Now, you are sacrificing yourself. Life wouldnt be the same anymore, would it.
NASB
2And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
>> 'world' = it is not as simple as 'going to the cinema', 'going to the discotique" etc. But it relates to what is wrong in God's view.
Lots of Christians degrade themselves to the old way of living, thus 'creating' law on their own.
In Corinthians, you are judged on your fruits, whether in the end it is constructive or not.
NASB
13contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.
>> saints = any believers. It's not saint nick with red clothes bringing stash of good stuff for yer kids.
NASB
16 Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly Do not be wise in your own estimation.
We prefer this translation to the Indonesian one. The Indonesian version implies a collective action of Christians as a whole towards one another. NASB, KJV imply that you put one another on the same level, thus further comment on that verse.
NIV implies you to live in harmony, this conforms with the above.. You put any other else on the same level.. You'll live in harmony.
NASB
17Never pay back evil for evil to anyone Respect what is right in the sight of all men.
NIV
17Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.
KJV
17Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
>> The background of the book of Romans is a persecuted church, thus they had to *be careful* and on the same time be *respectful* to the things believed by most of people.
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