Albert Barnes Commentary Romans 13:14

"But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to [fulfil] the lusts [thereof]." — Romans 13:14 (ASV)

But put you on. . The word rendered "put you on" is the same as used in Romans 13:12 and is commonly employed in references to clothing or apparel. The phrase to put on a person, which seems a harsh expression in our language, was one often used by Greek writers; and means to imbibe his principles, to imitate his example, to copy his spirit, and to become like him.

Thus, in Dionysius Halicarnassus, the expression occurs: "having put on or clothed themselves with Tarquin;" that is, they imitated the example and morals of Tarquin. So Lucian says, "having put on Pythagoras;" having received him as a teacher and guide. Similarly, the Greek writers speak of putting on Plato, Socrates, and others, meaning to take them as instructors and to follow them as disciples.

(See Schleusner.) Thus, to put on the Lord Jesus means to take Him as a pattern and guide, to imitate His example, to obey His precepts, and to become like Him. In all respects, the Lord Jesus was unlike what had been specified in the previous verse. He was temperate, chaste, pure, peaceable, and meek; and to put Him on was to imitate Him in these respects (Hebrews 4:15; Hebrews 7:26; 1 Peter 2:22; Isaiah 53:9; 1 John 3:5).

And do not make provision. The word provision here is that which is used to denote provident care, or preparation for future needs. It means that we should not make it an object to gratify our lusts, or strive to do this by laying up anything beforehand for this purpose.

For the flesh. The word flesh is used here evidently to denote the corrupt propensities of the body, or those specified in Romans 13:13.

To fulfil the lusts thereof. This refers to its corrupt desires. The gratification of the flesh was the main object among the Romans. Living in luxury and licentiousness, they made it their chief aim to multiply and prolong the means of licentious indulgence. In this regard, Christians were to be a separate people and to show that they were influenced by a higher and purer desire than this debasing propensity to indulge sensual gratification.

It is right, it is a Christian duty, to work to provide for all the real needs of life. But real needs are few; and, with a heart inclined to be pure and temperate, the necessary needs of life are easily satisfied, and the mind can be devoted to higher and purer purposes.