In Romans 13:1-7, we are commanded to submit to governmental authority. This topic is especially relevant as we are in the midst of an election year — a time often marked by heightened emotions and stark divisions. The topic of submission is rarely greeted with enthusiasm, especially when it pertains to authority figures whose decisions might starkly contrast with our personal or communal values. However, this passage of scripture is not just a directive but a timely reminder of the broader, divine orchestration of governance under God’s sovereign will.
Jesus Himself navigates this complex balance between divine and earthly rule. In Matthew 22, confronted by the Pharisees and Herodians, He responds to the question of paying taxes to Caesar by saying, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s,” (Matthew 22:21). This acknowledges an earthly duty and heavenly allegiance. While we operate within human systems, our ultimate loyalty must lie with our divine authority — God Himself.
This introduction by Jesus sets the stage for a deeper exploration of Paul’s teachings in Romans 13. Paul expands on this idea, emphasizing that all human authority is subject to God’s supreme power. Thus, our engagement with government should not merely be a matter of civic duty but a manifestation of our obedience to God. As we dive into this passage, it is crucial to keep in focus the ultimate priority in our lives — our relationship with Christ. This perspective does not diminish the significance of our roles within our earthly citizenship but rather frames them within the larger context of our eternal citizenship in God’s kingdom.
1. Trust God’s Authority In/Through the Human Authority Over You
Navigating the complexity of governmental authority is a daunting task, particularly for Christians striving to live by Biblical principles. Romans 13 reminds us that every authority established among men is, ultimately, under God’s sovereignty. This perspective can alter our perspective from resistance to submission where appropriate.
The Christian’s challenge is to trust God’s authority both in and through the human authorities over us. This is inherently difficult, especially in a society like America, where independence and skepticism of government are woven into the national identity. Our historical roots in rebellion against tyranny inspire a certain resilience against governmental overreach. However, Scripture directs us to a different kind of response — one of submission to God’s sovereignty. Paul’s teachings in Romans emphasize that all governing powers are instituted by God (Romans 13:1). This requires us to recognize God’s ultimate hand in the affairs of men. The divine right of states points to a God who orchestrates the rise and fall of governments to fulfill His purposes.
This understanding can shift our perspective from one of cynicism and defiance to one of hopeful engagement. Understanding that God appoints governments for reasons sometimes beyond our understanding or agreement can help alleviate our frustrations and anchor our actions in a deeper trust in God. This trust does not absolve us from acting against injustice or immorality; it compels us to engage more constructively, knowing our actions align with His will.
Richard Halverson, a former chaplain to the United States Senate, poignantly noted the presence of corruption within human institutions, including government. Yet, he also recognized the necessity of these structures to manage human sinfulness. His insights remind us that while no human institution is perfect, their roles are ordained as part of a broader divine narrative. For Christians, this means engaging with governmental systems not as ends in themselves, but as platforms through which God’s justice and mercy can be manifested. It means voting, participating in civic life, and influencing government in ways that reflect God’s kingdom. Yet, it also means doing so with a heart of submission to God’s ultimate rule and authority.
When Christians Should Resist Governing Authorities
Kent Hughes, a commentator whose insights I find particularly clear, identifies three key instances when Christians should resist governmental authorities:
Resist When Asked to Violate God’s Commands: Just as Daniel prayed despite the decree against it, and Peter and John preached Jesus against orders, we must prioritize obedience to God over compliance with government when the two conflict.
Resist When Asked to Practice Immorality: If governmental authorities require actions that contravene Christian ethics — like lying or cheating — we must resist. God’s authority supersedes human laws.
Resist When Pressured Against Christian Conscience Informed by Scripture: Our resistance should be informed by Scripture, not personal feelings. For example, while some Christians may refuse military service based on a pacifist understanding of scripture, others see governmental roles like military service as a means to execute biblical justice.
Trusting God’s authority through human authority invites us to see beyond the immediate faults and failures of our leaders and to discern the higher purpose at work. It challenges us to resist when necessary — especially when commanded to act against God’s commands — but to also submit where possible, as an act of faith in God’s sovereign plan. This dual action of resisting and submitting is complementary, reflecting a mature understanding of our role as Christians in a fallen world.
2. Understand the Role of Human Government Is to Serve God
The primary role of any government, according to scripture, is ultimately to serve God. This concept is vividly explored in Romans 13:3-4, where Paul describes the government as “God’s servant for your good.” While this may initially seem counterintuitive, especially in contexts of apparent governmental failure or corruption, it is foundational for understanding the Biblical view of authority. In Romans, Paul uses the Greek word for servant, from which we derive “deacon,” to describe the function of the government. Just as deacons in the church serve the congregation, governments are instituted to serve the collective good, executing justice and maintaining order. This service is performed under the sovereignty of God, who empowers and uses governments to fulfill His divine purposes, even when those purposes are obscured by human failings.
Historically, the Bible shows numerous instances where God uses secular governments to accomplish His will. Consider the role of Egypt under Pharaoh, or Rome’s governance at the time of Jesus’ crucifixion. These governments, despite their flaws and even hostility towards God’s people, were instrumental in the unfolding of God’s salvation plan. Pharaoh’s tyranny led to the Exodus, showcasing God’s power and faithfulness. Rome’s crucifixion of Jesus, an act of grave injustice, became the means for humanity’s redemption. This perspective does not excuse the evils perpetrated by these regimes but highlights how God can work through even the most corrupt systems to bring about His ultimate good. This understanding should reshape how Christians interact with and perceive their own governments.
Paul argues that the government does not bear the sword in vain. It is vested with the authority to enforce law and order, acting as an agent of God’s justice. This role is crucial because, while individuals are called to forsake personal vengeance, the government is charged with maintaining justice through rightful punishment of wrongdoing. The idea that even a corrupt government is better than anarchy emphasizes the necessity of some form of governance to prevent societal collapse. As chaotic as government actions can be, the alternative — anarchy or a lawless society as depicted in the biblical Book of Judges — leads to even greater dysfunction, where “everyone did what was right in their own eyes” without regard for communal harmony or justice.
Paul reminds us that all earthly governments are temporary and ultimately submissive to God’s eternal kingdom. This future government, a monarchy ruled by the King of Kings, contrasts sharply with human governments, which are plagued by imperfection and often oppression. Recognizing this ultimate authority should inspire Christians to engage with their governments constructively. While it is appropriate to resist governmental demands that contradict God’s commands, it is also crucial to participate in governance through actions that promote justice and peace. This dual approach aligns with the biblical mandate to see God’s hand in the rise and fall of nations and leaders.
3. Think About What Governmental Obedience Looks Like for You
As Christians, our interactions with government are not solely influenced by civic duty but are deeply intertwined with our faith. Romans 13:5-7 challenges us to consider what obedience to governmental authorities looks like in a personal and communal context.
The apostle Paul, in discussing the role of government, does not shy away from one of the most universally relatable aspects: taxes. It is a topic that can quickly stir up emotions and opinions. However, Paul redirects our focus from personal grievance to spiritual accountability. He argues that paying taxes is not merely a legal obligation but a matter of conscience. This perspective shifts our understanding from seeing taxes as a burden to viewing them as a part of God’s provision for governance. Just as tithes support the ministry of the church, taxes can support God’s work through government in maintaining order and justice.
Understanding when to submit and when to resist governmental authority is crucial. Paul’s directive to pay taxes is coupled with a broader call to honor and respect authority. Yet, this is not a call to blind submission. Just as we pay taxes out of conscience, we must also discern when governmental demands conflict with God’s commands. The early Christians, like Daniel and the apostles, exemplify this balance—they submitted to the government except when it directly contradicted God’s directives.
Paul encourages us to give respect and honor where it is due. This does not mean endorsing or agreeing with every policy or leader. Instead, it is about recognizing the role of government positions as ordained by God for societal order. This recognition should humble us, urging us to respect the position, even when we find it challenging to respect the person occupying it.
Personal Reflection and Action
What does governmental obedience look like for you? It involves introspection and action:
Examine your attitudes towards taxes and authority: Consider whether your perspectives are influenced by personal discomfort or a spiritual understanding of God’s sovereignty.
Balance your civic actions with spiritual wisdom: Engage in political processes, like voting or advocacy, but let these actions be guided by prayer and a desire to reflect Christ’s love and justice.
Pray for discernment and courage: Ask God to help you discern when to submit and when to stand against policies that contradict biblical principles. Seek the courage to act justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with your God (Micah 6:8).
Ultimately, our primary citizenship is in heaven, and this heavenly allegiance should guide our interactions with earthly authorities. This dual citizenship calls us to be transformative agents in society, advocating for God’s justice and peace, while navigating the challenges of human governance. The image that marks us is not one of earthly symbols but the image of God. This identity should inspire and direct how we live as obedient citizens under human authority, always prioritizing our eternal allegiance to God above all.
