Book of Romans Study
Lesson # 35 – Romans 13:1-7
By Rev. James May
At the end of chapter 12 Paul’s teaching to the church on how we should behave toward one another, and toward our enemies in the church comes to a close. In chapter 13 Paul now begins a new subject matter, even though it still relates to chapter 12, the Bible now addresses how all of mankind should behave toward those who are placed in positions of governance over us. This isn’t just for the church, but for everybody.
We are citizens of two kingdoms; one is the Kingdom of Heaven, and the other is the United States of America. As citizens of two kingdoms we must know how to obey the laws of both as best we can, but we must also never forget that we owe a higher allegiance to the Kingdom of Heaven. This world is not our ultimate home. We are pilgrims and strangers in this land, but even so, we are not given diplomatic immunity to the laws of this land.
In today’s politically charged culture these verses truly come into focus in an even greater sense. God’s Word does not change, no matter what the political views are. The instructions to all men, especially those who are in Christ, are meant to bring us into a place of peace. God ordained that there should be civil governments that would maintain a society through its laws and people who are given authority to enforce those laws for the greater good of all men.
Romans 13:1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
One thing we must be aware of is that the early church was constantly considered as a threat to the powers that held sway over them. Christianity began with a Jewish Carpenter from Bethlehem, and therefore it was a religion of the Jews. To be a Jew back then was no more tolerated by the rest of the world than than it is now.
Christianity, and the Jews are looked upon as having the same roots, which is true. Being in any way connected with the Jewish faith is all it takes for a lot of heathen rulers to become belligerent toward the church!
It was well-known that the Jews were of the seed Abraham, and that by their own law, they were to never have a king over them, and certainly not a king who was of a heathen nation, and a stranger in the Land of Israel.
It was because of the Jew’s adherence to this law that they resisted the government led by Romans. They had to pay tribute to Caesar, but they didn’t have to like it; and they resisted it every step of the way.
Because there was this great opposition to Roman government and the authority of the Roman rulers over them, the Jews were hated, and because the Christians came from among the Jews and began to spread throughout the world, civil leaders and rulers considered them as one with the rebellious Jews.
In Acts chapter 5 we read where Gamaliel, a doctor of the Law, stood up and addressed the entire Jewish council who were demanding that the disciples be punished for preaching about Jesus. In his speech Gamaliel referred to the great resistance of the Jews, especially those from Galilee, who fought the Romans and refused to be governed by them.
Acts 5:37 After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed.
Since Jesus was from Galilee, and the disciples were called “Galileans”, they were probably being watched, scrutinized and persecuted even more than many of their fellow Jews because Rome considered them one and the same with the rest of the rebellious Galileans.
As though that wasn’t enough to bring trouble upon the church, there were also many among the Christians in that day who thought that they shouldn’t have to obey godless heathen rulers from Rome. Most of these Roman rulers were very wicked and violent men who would kill anyone who got in their way without giving it a thought. These wicked and evil men had the might of the Roman Army at their beck and call, and the army was bound under Roman law to obey those who had command over them.
It’s no surprise then that so many Christians thought that their Christian liberty gave them the right to disobey those who were over them.
And just as it is in our day, there were a lot of people in Paul’s day that called themselves Christians but who do not live according to the Word of God, neither worshipped Jesus as Lord or serve him at all. They played both sides of the fence, trying to be accepted by the church, yet having no real experience in Christ at all. These self-proclaimed “defenders of the faith” often attacked the Roman rulers placed over them, and that brought a retaliation against all Christians.
This letter of Paul’s was addressed to the Saints of God at Rome, the very seat of the government of Rome and the home of Caesar. Since these saints were in a position that could be both very influential in the spread of the gospel, and yet be a very dangerous place if Caesar became offended, it was advisable to teach these Roman saints how to behave toward the civil government that had control over them.
The Christians at Rome were instructed to set a good example of what a true Christian should be. They were to do their best not to antagonize those in positions of authority over them, and they were to live in obedience to Roman law as much as possible so that their actions would not bring a reproach upon the gospel.
If they could only gain the respect of the Romans, then perhaps the persecution against Christians all over the Roman Empire could be affected. Maybe their good behavior would make the Romans think more kindly toward all Christians
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They were to become obedient subjects to the higher powers placed over them. These higher powers could be judges, kings, governors or even the emperor. These higher powers were given this power and authority to use in a right and proper manner for the good of all.
These higher powers among men were given behave in a reasonable manner for the peace of the society to exist.
No man was exempt from obeying the law of the land and coming under the authority of those placed in positions of authority over them. No matter how old, what gender, whether rich or poor; all were under the king’s authority.
No minister, no apostle, not one Christian is exempt from being under that authority; not even the High Priest of Israel. All were under the dominion of the civil government that God had placed over them. Jesus came under the authority of the Roman government and offered no resistance against it because he knew that their authority was ordained to be there at this moment in time so that the plan of God would be fulfilled. The disciples were under Roman civil authority and even had to find money to pay their taxes in a fish’s mouth.
What does this term "Subjection" mean?
• It means that we should show them respect because of their appointed position and authority.
• We are to recognize and reference their call to be where they are as ordained by God Almighty for the fulfillment of his purposes through them.
• We are to speak well of them as much as possible and to show them mercy for their mistakes because no one is perfect.
• We are to pray for them constantly so that peace may be maintained in the land and to wish them well in the performance of their duties for the betterment of all.
• We are to obey their lawful commands which do not contradict the laws of God and his word, and right thinking.
• And we are to do our part in supporting any right cause through paying our taxes and helping them to maintain law and order and to help our society remain peaceful and prosperous
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This by no means says that we must obey laws that are contrary to God’s word. We have a greater calling; a greater right to proclaim that God’s word is true and every man a liar. There are times when it is not only right and good; but absolutely necessary to stand in opposition to those who defy the law of God and go far beyond the law of reason and what’s right. We are never commanded to bow in absolute obedience to anyone who opposes Christ and casts aside God’s law.
We have a higher power; Jesus Christ, the very Son of God; and we have a higher law; the Law of God’s Word; and whenever necessary, our allegiance and obedience must follow our higher law and be in agreement with Jesus’ word, even if it means becoming an adversity of those in authority over us.
What it boils down to is one thing: We are only commanded to be under subjection to, and to follow those who are in authority over us, as long as they follow Christ. And we are to follow and obey them only as long as they do not ask us to disobey the Word of God. There is no cause great enough; not peace; not prosperity; not “the will of the majority”; nothing at all that should ever take precedence over obeying God.
We must never forget that those who have rule over us are there because God put them there and gave them their authority. It is ordained by God that there must be civil governments.
This does not mean that those in authority cannot, or will not, abuse their power and authority. Every man has the choice of using his free will, either in the rightful conduct of his duties, or in a manner that is contrary to God’s will and purpose for his position.
Yet, even when men go against God’s will while in those positions of authority, God still maintains full control of the outcome and his will and purpose will be accomplished, either with the help of man, or without it. God never relinquishes his power and authority to anyone. He allows us to be used.
So what Paul is teaching is this. As long as those who are in positions of authority over you do not act in a manner contrary to the Word of God, we should honor and obey them in order to keep the peace and allow an environment to exist where the gospel may freely spread to all men.
Romans 13:2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
Here is the result of disobeying the law and the authority of those over us. First, we offend God and live in disobedience to his law; and secondly, we call down guilt and shame, and eventually, the wrath of the law upon our own heads.
Romans 13:3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:
Rulers who are over us are not to be feared if we live peaceably and don’t break the law of the land. They are a terror only to those who live in a state of rebellion and civil disobedience.
Why be afraid of the police? Have you broken the law? If so, then maybe you should be afraid. As one show on TV puts it, “What are you going to do when they come for you, Bad Boy, Bad Boy?”
Those who are there are there for your good, to protect and serve. Sure, there are bad cops, but most are there because they want to be helpful and serve their community. Respect their position and authority, and thank God that they are there for your safety. If you do what’s right and obey the law, you have nothing to fear! In fact, I’m glad to see them parked around the church. It gives us a greater measure of security against evil doers.
A good citizen has nothing to fear; as long as the civil government over him obeys the laws of God. Only the crooks and murderers have to hide in the shadows and be fearful at the flashing of blue lights behind them. If you didn’t break the law; then there’s no punishment demanded by the law.
Of course, we are living in the Last Days before the coming of the Lord to take his church away. In our day, the laws of the land, and many of those in positions of authority over us, are turning from God. They are calling good, evil; and evil, good! As the days pass, the laws of the land are becoming more contrary to the Word of God. The day is upon us now when to obey the law of the land is to disobey the law of God. We must prepare ourselves for the persecution that will arise as the world looks upon Christianity and Jesus Christ as their enemy. It is ordained that this too will happen, but do not fear! GOD IS WITH US! If God is for us, who can stop us?
Romans 13:4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
In a normal, godly society, those who are over us are there as ministers of God to do good for the society in which we live. As long as we act right and live within the law, we will experience the best that civil government can offer.
But, when the time comes that we disobey those laws that are right and good, then don’t forget that the same authority that is God-given for your good can be turned to bring the power of the law to bear to make you behave.
That same judge who can be so lenient for a first-offender, or someone who acted out of ignorance or by accident; can also bring the worst punishment imaginable down on us for being repeat offenders or acting out of malice and greed.
Romans 13:5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
We must allow ourselves to be under the authority of those who are placed over us by God for our own good. Not only because we don’t want to face the wrath of the judges, the courts and the police; but because we want to have a clear conscience before God. If we get into trouble with the law, let it be because we stood for the Word of God against an unlawful law of the land; and not because we offended a law that is just and good. Either way, keep your heart clean, your conscience clear and your relationship with Jesus strong.
Romans 13:6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.
Everybody hates taxes, especially when there is so much waste and abuse of tax money in our government. The truth is that there is also a lot of good that comes from your taxes, and everyone should have to share equally according to their ability in maintaining the government of our country. You do not have the right to not pay taxes, not according to God’s Word and not according to the laws of the IRS.
And don’t forget that even the IRS is there because God ordains it. If you pay your taxes, you’ll be free to enjoy some of the benefits of those taxes. If you don’t pay your taxes, then you’ll lose everything and the only thing you’ll benefit from the taxes collected is the jail cell of the prison where you’ll be forced to live.
Romans 13:7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
A few days ago we were talking about the story of Sgt. Alvin York who was a Medal of Honor winner during World War I. Sgt. York went into the army as a conscientious objector because he didn’t believe in killing. Of course we all know that the Bible says, “Thou shalt not kill”.
Sgt. York struggled with this commandment and being in the infantry. How could he justify killing in war when the Bible says don’t kill? He finally found his answer when he read the scriptures in Matthew, Mark and Luke where all three disciples record that Jesus spoke these words:
…” Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's.”
That was the day that Sgt. York understood that his heart and soul belonged to Jesus, and he gave those to God, but his body and his allegiance and love for freedom belonged to his country and he was honor-bound to defend it, so he gave himself to the cause.
Sgt. York found himself on the battlefield of the Meuse-Argonne campaign. He took initiative to keep from watching his fellow soldiers being killed all around him and captured 32 machine guns, killed 20 German soldiers, and captured 132 others.
What do you owe your country? If only everyone in America could realize and live by the words of former President John F. Kennedy: “Ask not what your country can do for you; but what you can do for your country!”
Let us give honor to those who deserve honor! Let us fear those whom we offend and fail to honor as we should! Let us obey the law as much as within us, but ever maintain the Law of God’s Truth above all. Try to be a part of the solution of what’s wrong in America; not part of the problem. The only solution is in Jesus and obedience to his word.
Even with all of its troubles and all of our ungodly leaders, we still must thank God for the opportunity that we have to live free. Pray for our leaders and our nation. Pray that God will give us better leaders and help our ordained government to be God-centered that our land may be healed.
We are citizens of two kingdoms, let us praise our God of the Kingdom of Heaven; but let us pray for our leaders in the nation of America!
