Romans 13 – question 1
The Command to Obey
In Romans 13:1-7, the apostle Paul exhorts believers to submit to governing authorities, affirming that all authority comes from God and is established by Him. This submission is presented as an obligation for all, regardless of political circumstances or the character of those in power.
Understanding the Command
Paul emphasizes that resisting authority is equivalent to opposing the order established by God, which results in condemnation (Romans 13:2). Authorities are described as God’s servants, appointed to promote good and punish evil (Romans 13:4). Thus, obedience to civil laws and respect for rulers are considered aspects of faithfulness to God.
Defining Authorities and Magistrates in the Biblical Context
In the biblical context, « authorities » (from Greek « ἐξουσία, exousia » = authority, power, right, jurisdiction) and « magistrates » or « ruler » (from Greek « ἄρχων, archón » = ruler, leader, prince, magistrate) refer to governments and ruling officials who exercise civil power. This concept aligns with Jesus’ teaching, where He acknowledges the legitimacy of earthly governments.
For example, when Jesus tells Pilate:
– “You would have no authority over Me at all unless it had been given to you from above.” (John 19:11)
Jesus recognizes that Pilate’s authority ultimately comes from God.
Similarly, Jesus teaches respect for civil obligations:
– “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” (Matthew 22:21)
These passages affirm that governing authorities have a role within God’s sovereign plan.
The Limits of Obedience to Authorities
Although Paul calls for submission to authorities, this obedience is not absolute. When human laws contradict divine commandments, believers must obey God rather than men.
In Acts 5:29, Peter and the apostles declare:
– “We must obey God rather than men.”
This statement affirms that divine obedience takes precedence when civil laws oppose God’s will.
Perspectives of Evangelical Commentators
Several evangelical scholars have analyzed Romans 13:1-7:
- In his commentary on Romans, Douglas J. Moo points out that Paul views civil authorities as established by God to maintain order and justice. Moo notes that this submission is motivated not only by fear of punishment but also by an enlightened conscience recognizing the God-ordained role of governments. He also makes clear that while Paul calls for obedience, this does not mean unconditional approval of all governmental actions, especially when they contradict divine commands.
- C. E. B. Cranfield, in his commentary on the Epistle to the Romans, interprets this passage as an indication that all legitimate authority has its origin in God. He emphasizes that resistance to such authority is tantamount to opposition to the divine order. However, Cranfield warns against a simplistic reading, recalling that Christian obedience must be informed by conscience and fidelity to the teachings of Christ, especially when authorities demand actions contrary to God’s will.
- Richard N. Longenecker points out that Paul, writing under an often hostile imperial regime, nevertheless calls for submission to authorities. He interprets this as a recognition of God’s Sovereignty over all human structures. Longenecker insists that this submission is an expression of trust in God, while acknowledging that believers must discern when obedience to earthly authorities conflicts with obedience to God.
- Colin Kruse, in his commentary, asserts that Paul sees government authorities as servants of God for the common good. He notes that submission to authorities is a way for Christians to bear witness to their Faith in society. Kruse also recognizes that when authorities impose laws that are unjust or contrary to the Christian Faith, believers are faced with a dilemma in which obedience to God must take precedence.
- John Murray emphasizes that the institution of governmental authority is a divine ordinance to promote good and restrain evil. He emphasizes that submission to authorities is a Christian obligation, but not absolute. Murray reminds us that when the demands of authorities are in direct contradiction to God’s commands, believers must follow their consciences as enlightened by God’s Word.
- F. F. Bruce interprets this passage as an exhortation to recognize God’s hand in establishing governmental structures. He emphasizes that while governments may sometimes act unjustly, Christians are called to respect civil order as long as it does not conflict with their ultimate loyalty to God. Bruce emphasizes the importance of spiritual discernment in determining when obedience to human authorities should give way to divine obedience.
In summary, these commentators agree that Romans 13:1-7 calls believers to respectful submission to authorities, recognizing their God-ordained role. However, this submission is not unconditional and must be reevaluated when the authorities’ directives contradict God’s commands, where obedience to God must prevail.
Conclusion: A Balanced Biblical View of Authority
Paul’s teaching in Romans 13:1-7 calls believers to a general attitude of submission and respect for civil authorities, recognizing their role as part of God’s providence.
However, this submission is not absolute. When civil laws contradict divine law, obedience to God must come first. Throughout the Bible, we see examples of faithful men and women who stood against unjust rulers to remain obedient to God, demonstrating that true submission to authority is always rooted in ultimate obedience to God’s commands.