The Role Of The Believer, Government Authorities, And Submission Series

The Role of the Believer, Government Authorities, and Submission

December 11, 2024

Dr. Bradford Reaves

Crossway Christian Fellowship

Romans 13:1-7

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, 4 for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. 7 Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed. (Romans 13:1–7)

Romans 13 is one of the most debated passages in the Bible, particularly when it comes to understanding the Christian’s relationship to government and authority. What is a Christian obligated to do when the Government acts in ungodly or unbiblically in its power? Here, the apostle Paul calls believers to be subject to the governing authorities, stating that all authority is instituted by God. However, how should we interpret this command, especially when facing unjust authorities or governments that contradict God’s will?

In this study, we will examine Romans 13, address various interpretations, and draw upon historical and theological insights to understand what God truly expects from His people in relation to earthly governments. Our aim is not just to provide answers, but to provoke thought about our allegiance to God’s Kingdom in the face of worldly authority.

1. The Call to Submit:

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. (Romans 13:1–2)

Paul begins Romans 13 with a clear command: “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” He follows with a warning: “Therefore, whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.”

This verse has often been interpreted as an unqualified call to obey civil governments, no matter the situation. At first glance, it might seem that Paul is advocating blind obedience to earthly rulers. However, we must approach this text carefully, considering its full context and the message of Scripture.

First let’s look at biblical examples of Submission:

1. Daniel in Babylon (Daniel 6:1-10)

Daniel lived under the rule of the Babylonian empire, first under King Nebuchadnezzar and later under King Darius. When Darius issued a decree that for 30 days no one could pray to anyone except the king, Daniel continued to pray to God openly, but he did so knowing the consequences of his disobedience to the king’s law. Despite his act of civil disobedience, Daniel still showed respect and honor toward the king. When he was arrested and thrown into the lion’s den for his disobedience, Daniel submitted to the consequences of the king’s law while maintaining his loyalty to God.

2. Jesus’ Submission to Roman Authority

When the Pharisees attempted to trap Jesus by asking if it was lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, Jesus responded by submitting to the governing authority of the Roman Empire while also making clear that ultimate allegiance is to God. He did not advocate for rebellion but acknowledged the role of earthly rulers in God’s sovereign plan.

They said, “Caesar’s.” Then he said to them, “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” (Matthew 22:21)

3. The Apostles’ Obedience to Roman Law (Acts 25:1-12)

The apostle Paul submitted to the Roman legal system when he was accused by the Jewish leaders. Even though Paul knew the charges against him were false, he appealed to Caesar rather than reject Roman legal authority outright. By appealing to Caesar, Paul exercised his right as a Roman citizen while still engaging within the legal framework of the empire. His submission to the Roman authorities allowed him to further the gospel through his trials and eventual journey to Rome.