Romans 13 – question 3
Personal Spiritual Urgency in the Present Moment
In Romans 13:11-14, Paul emphasizes a spiritual urgency to apply his teachings concerning Christian conduct, stating:
Romans 13:11: « Do this, knowing the time [kairos], that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer to us than when we believed. » (NASB)
Paul’s intentional use of the Greek word καιρός (kairos) (« time, » « opportune moment, » or « decisive moment ») instead of another term, such as αἰών (aiōn, « age ») or χρόνος (chronos, « chronological time »), carries specific implications for interpreting this urgency, not merely as an immediate historical prediction about Christ’s imminent return, but rather as a personal and spiritual urgency relevant for each believer, regardless of era or circumstance.
Why Does Paul Specifically Choose « Kairos » ?
In Biblical Greek, καιρός (kairos) highlights a specific, critical moment or opportunity, whereas αἰών (aiōn) generally denotes a broader, longer period or age, lacking the immediacy of decision inherent in kairos.
Paul’s use of kairos indicates:
- A call for immediate personal spiritual awakening and action.
- An emphasis on the critical significance of each moment: since life is short and uncertain, every moment brings each believer closer to their personal encounter with God.
- A timeless exhortation that transcends historical timelines, applicable to every generation of believers.
This interpretation aligns closely with other biblical passages:
- 2 Corinthians 6:2: « Behold, now is the favorable time (kairos); behold, now is the day of salvation. »
- James 4:14: « You are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. »
These verses clearly underscore that Paul’s urgency is primarily directed at the individual believer’s spiritual responsibility, highlighting the brevity and unpredictability of life.
Insights from Evangelical Commentators
- Douglas J. Moo explains that Paul uses « kairos » to emphasize moral and spiritual urgency. He argues that Paul’s urgency is more personal than historical, focusing on each believer’s need to live as if their personal meeting with God could happen at any moment.
- Thomas R. Schreiner notes that the urgency expressed is existential, flowing naturally from the brevity and uncertainty of human life. Every moment is thus decisive in one’s spiritual journey and personal salvation.
- F. F. Bruce confirms this understanding, suggesting Paul frequently uses « kairos » to highlight a personal call to spiritual awakening rather than setting a specific timeline for Christ’s return. Each believer must see every moment as an opportunity to live faithfully.
Applying This Urgency Today
Even after two thousand years, this urgency remains fully relevant for contemporary believers. It calls Christians today to:
- Awaken from spiritual complacency, rejecting spiritual lethargy, moral compromise, and worldly distractions.
- Recognize each day as a precious opportunity to love, witness faithfully, obey God, and pursue holiness.
- Actively resist sinful behaviors (« works of darkness ») and intentionally live in the light of Christ’s character, avoiding any compromise with worldly desires.
- Daily « put on Christ », consciously conforming one’s character and actions to Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit.
This urgency is not primarily concerned with pinpointing the date of Christ’s return but instead emphasizes the continual, immediate, and authentic preparation of each believer for their personal encounter with God.
Conclusion
Paul’s use of καιρός (kairos) in Romans 13:11 conveys a deeply personal urgency: it is not merely about awaiting an imminent historical event but rather about recognizing the critical nature of each believer’s spiritual decisions in the present moment.
Thus, Paul’s urgent exhortation remains powerful and timely, calling every Christian to live now, fully awake, authentically committed, and wholeheartedly devoted to Christ.
Precise Meaning of the Greek Terms
Kairos (καιρός)
- Means an opportune, determined time, a favorable, or decisive opportunity.
- Indicates a qualitative dimension of time, a favorable period that requires a decision or action.
- Typical Biblical Usage: a God-given opportunity for action, a particular time foreseen by God.
- Biblical Examples:
- Mark 1:15: « The time (kairos) is fulfilled, the Kingdom of God is at hand… » – Jesus emphasizes that this is the decisive moment of divine revelation.
- Galatians 6:9: « …for at the proper time (kairos) we will reap, » that is, at the time determined by God.
Aiōn (αἰών)
- Often refers to an extended period, an age, or an era.
- Emphasizes duration, often used to refer to periods (present or future), such as « the present age » or « the age to come. »
- Examples: Ephesians 1:21, Romans 12:2, where Paul refers to « this present age » (aiōn).
Thus, kairos emphasizes a time dimension as immediate opportunity, while aiōn describes broader historical or spiritual periods.