Constable chapter summary:
“This chapter broadens the Christian’s sphere of responsibility by extending it to include the civil government under which he or she lives. Romans 13 is the premier New Testament passage that explains the believer’s civil responsibilities. Paul expounded what it means to render unto Caesar what belongs to him (Mat 22:21). This subject has bearing on the spread of the gospel, so it is especially appropriate in this epistle. The connection with Rom 12:17-21 should be obvious. This passage also ties in with Rom 12:1-2 as one sphere of application. The church is not a nation among nations as Israel was. Consequently it was important that Paul clarify Christians’ duties to our earthly rulers as well as our duty to our heavenly Ruler.”
Romans 13:1-3 (WEL) Let every soul place themselves under the governing authorities, for there is no authority except from God. The authorities, which are present, have been assigned by God. 2 Therefore, whoever resists this authority defies what God has appointed, and those who defy will receive judgment against themselves. 3 For rulers are not a cause of fear for good actions but for evil [actions]. Do you want to be unafraid of authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same.
V1 Let every soul place themselves under the governing authorities, for there is no authority except from God. The authorities, which are present, have been assigned by God.
The Greek word for place themselves under is (G5293) ὑποτάσσω hupotássō, which means 1) the recognition of military hierarchy and 2) an alignment with or accord with others. Which one depends on the context.
The highest authority is God (YHWH) the God of Israel. He delegates authority to a nation’s leaders to govern according to His laws. Essentially none of them do. But since they are in authority, we must recognize, respect, and obey as much as possible. If they have laws that would cause believers to disobey God’s laws, then we must refuse (Acts 4:19 and Acts 5:29). We may be punished, but we are faithful to God (1 Peter 2:20).
V2 Therefore, whoever resists this authority defies what God has appointed, and those who defy will receive judgment against themselves.
The Greek word for resists is (G498) ἀντιτάσσω antitássō, which means to set in battle array against another army. This Greek word has the same root word as place themselves under in verse 1. Here it represents resist, rebel, reject, etc.
If Christians do this, then ultimately, they resist God and His ordered kingdom.
We are to obey the laws where we live unless it contradicts God’s law as in Acts 5:29 and Exodus 1:16-17.
The wrong use of authority is written in 1 Samuel 14:44-45 and 1 Samuel 22:17.
V3 For rulers are not a cause of fear for good actions but for evil [actions]. Do you want to be unafraid of authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same.
Normally, this is true, but sometimes doing what is right in God’s sight is punished by authorities, which then we suffer (1 Peter 3:13-17 and 1 Peter 4:16-17), but eventually will be avenged by God Himself (Hebrews 10:30).
We learn:
- Our relationship with government authorities.
- The reason we do so.
Questions:
- Do you comply with God’s authority?
- Do you comply with secular government authority?