What does Romans 13:11 mean?

Explanation

Romans 13:11 is a verse from the Christian New Testament in which the Apostle Paul urges the community in Rome to understand the urgency of the time in which they live.

The verse can be literally understood as a call to moral and spiritual vigilance, implying that the community has been in a state of complacency or moral 'sleep.' The phrase "to awake out of sleep" serves as a metaphor for becoming spiritually aware and active.

The deeper meanings of the verse suggest that the Roman Christians should live their lives as though their salvation, often interpreted as the return of Christ, is imminent.

The term "salvation" within the context of the verse suggests both a present and future reality - present in the sense of living a life in Christ now, and future in the hope for the fulfillment of God's kingdom.

Therefore, the verse calls for an ethical response to the belief in Christ's return, pressing on the moral obligation to lead a life that reflects this hope.

Historical Context

The book of Romans is an epistle written by the Apostle Paul around A.D. 57, when the early Christian church was still in its infancy.

Rome, being the hub of the Roman Empire, was a melting pot of various cultural and religious practices.

Within this setting, Paul is addressing a mixed community of Jewish and Gentile believers.

The verse comes at a point in the letter where Paul transitions from discussing doctrinal issues to addressing ethical and practical living. The early Christian community believed that Christ's return was imminent, and this belief shaped their daily lives and spiritual practices.

Theological Insights

From a Pre-millennial perspective, this verse underscores the imminent return of Christ and the importance of readiness at any moment.

Alternatively, an Amillennial viewpoint might interpret this passage as symbolic, focusing less on a literal return and more on the present reality of God's kingdom.

A Post-millennial interpretation could see this as a motivator for Christian influence on society, believing that through the church's actions, the kingdom of God will gradually be manifested on earth before Christ's return.

In a more general Christian perspective, irrespective of eschatological viewpoints, the theological understanding is the dual aspect of salvation: already, but not yet.

Christians are saved and justified in the present through faith in Christ, yet they await the final salvation and revelation of His kingdom.

Practical Applications

Practically, this verse can inspire Christians to be vigilant in their faith, living responsibly and ethically as if Christ could return at any moment.

This can influence decisions, priorities, and the use of time, pushing believers to prioritize spiritual growth and the well-being of others over temporal concerns.

Living in anticipation of salvation can also foster a sense of hope and encourage believers to persevere through difficulties, conflicts, and temptations.

Cross-References

• Ephesians 5:14 - "Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light."
• 1 Thessalonians 5:6 - "Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober."
• Matthew 24:42 - "Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come."
• 1 Corinthians 15:34 - "Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame."

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek of Romans 13:11 provide a deeper understanding:

• "Knowing the time" (eidenai ton kairon) - "kairon" refers to a significant or opportune time, distinct from chronological time.
• "High time" (hora) - Often translated "the hour," suggesting a specific, pivotal moment.
• "Awake out of sleep" (ex hypnou egertheis) - "hypnous" for sleep, implies moral or spiritual lethargy, while "egertheis" suggests a rising or arousal from that state.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient cultures and religions, the concept of awakening from sleep has been used as a metaphor for enlightenment or spiritual awareness.

In Buddhism, for example, "Buddha" means "the awakened one." Similarly, the idea of a Sleeper awakening features in various mythologies, sometimes associated with renewal or eschatological themes.

Scientific Perspectives

The science primarily offers insights into the literal aspects of sleep and wakefulness.

In a metaphorical sense, one could compare the call to awaken in this passage with the importance of consciousness and awareness in cognitive science.

However, the verse is predominantly theological or spiritual, with little bearing on empirical science.

Commentaries

Commentaries on this verse generally concur on its eschatological implications and the call to ethical living:

1. John Calvin emphasized the importance of time awareness and claimed that sloth and negligence are incompatible with the Christian's calling.

2. Matthew Henry pointed out that the salvation mentioned here refers to complete redemption and that the coming of the day of Christ should motivate believers to live holy lives.

3. Robert H. Mounce agrees with the urgency to live righteously but also warns against overemphasizing the nearness of the end times in a way that discourages long-term Christian service and planning.

Many commentators agree that Paul's intention is to encourage a lifestyle that reflects an acute awareness of God's coming kingdom and the ethical implications of that belief.