Romans 13:01-07 Submission to Authorities
1. World Authorities (Romans 13:1-3)
St. Paul wrote that no governing authority exists without the establishment of God. The days of Paul were witnessed by the kingdoms, emperors, armies, and rulers. He would like to approve that those kingdoms and authorities were from God. He warned the rebels, disobedient citizens. He approved the punishments given by them are right and just because the authority had come from the Lord. The authorities in any form, in the firm, in any nation, in any time of history have come from the Lord. Paul would like to accept, approve, and not challenge the authorities of the world because everything has come from the Lord. But the authorities are expected to serve the people, and nation with the fear of the Lord and with righteousness and justice.
One thing that is clear in his thinking and interpretation of Paul regarding authority is that Subjects are subjected to the laws and regulations of the authorities. The authorities are subjected to the laws and regulations of God. If a citizen deviates and disobeys the rules of Government and authorities they would be punished, in the same manner, the authorities, kings, rulers, and emperors would be punished by God if they don’t follow the rules of God which are revealed to them and written in their conscience.
2. Servants of God (Romans 13:4-5)
The word servant of God was used to refer to the prophets and priests in the Olden days and in the New Testament days it referred to the evangelists, apostles and pastors, and teachers of the Law. But here Paul brings an entirely new outlook and understanding of the word Servant of God. He says those who are in authority are servants of God. The kings, rulers, and authorities are servants of God. Paul confirms that the Presidents and Prime ministers of the nations are servants of God. Those who are in authority to implement discipline are the servants of God. Those who make laws and those who implement law enforcement are servants of God. Every small authority is from God. So, obey them or you would be punished. This is the new definition of the Servants of God.
3. Pay Taxes and Revenues (Romans 13:6-7)
Paul wrote to the early Christians who lived in Rome to pay the taxes and revenues belonging to the Government authorities are paid to the government treasury. The collected taxes and revenues are used to pay the authorities for their service rendered to the public. Their salaries and government establishments are underwritten by the treasury of the government. They are full-time servants of God for governing the kingdoms and governments. In this context, Paul says that give everyone whatever is due and owe to them. Paul says to pay the taxes, pay the revenues, pay the respect and honor accordingly. If any cheats the government he is cheating God. Disrespect to the authorities is disrespect to God, Dishonoring the leaders is dishonoring God.
Discussion:
1. How to interpret and understand the acts of the Three Friends of Daniel, Daniel, and Apostles for their disobedience to their governments and authorities?
2. How do justify that government officials are the Servants of God?
3. Discuss Taxes and Revenues and their effect on Citizens.
(For further studies on Romans by Rev. Dr. Andrew B Natarajan, please refer this cite)
