Romans 13 is a passage that challenges Christians in both its time and today. Written by the Apostle Paul, it speaks directly to how believers should relate to governmental authorities. At first glance, Paul’s command to submit to rulers may seem difficult to accept, especially considering the fact that many governments, both ancient and modern, have been corrupt, oppressive, and in direct conflict with Christian values. However, Paul offers a nuanced perspective on the role of government, encouraging a delicate balance between submission to authority and faithfulness to God.
In this blog post, we will explore the key themes of Romans 13, how they applied in Paul’s time, and how they still resonate with Christians today. We’ll also address the limits of this submission, especially when governments appear to contradict God’s law, and how Christians can navigate this tension.
The Context of Paul’s Writing: Submission in a Roman World
When Paul wrote Romans, he was addressing believers living under Roman occupation. The Roman Empire, while maintaining law and order, was often brutal in its treatment of conquered peoples. The early Christians, like their Jewish counterparts, were living under foreign rule, and many found it difficult to reconcile their faith with the authority of a pagan government.
Despite this, Paul opens Romans 13 by saying, “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.” (Romans 13:1 NIV)
This statement may have seemed shocking. Why should Christians, who follow the one true God, submit to pagan rulers like the Roman emperor? Why would they pay taxes only to have it spent on ungodly things? Paul’s rationale was simple: all authority ultimately comes from God. Whether rulers recognize it or not, their power is allowed by God for the purpose of maintaining order in society. In this way, government serves a divine function. For Christians, the key is to recognize that God’s sovereignty extends even over human institutions, including those that seem unjust. Just like we might overthrow God’s right opinion of behaviors, the government might shake off godly things and become and unjust nation.
Submission vs. Obedience: The Limits of Following Authority
A critical distinction in Romans 13 is that while Christians are called to submit to governing authorities, there is a limit to that submission. Paul is clear that resisting authority is akin to resisting God’s order, but he never advocates blind obedience, especially if that obedience requires sin.
For example, Paul writes that Christians should pay taxes, give respect to leaders, and follow the law. These are civic duties that do not contradict the teachings of Christ. However, Paul also implicitly draws a line when it comes to sin. If a government orders believers to do something that goes against God’s law—like committing violence, worshipping false gods, or violating moral principles—then Christians must resist.
The story of Daniel is a prime example of this. Daniel served in the Babylonian government, working within the system and earning respect. However, when ordered to worship false gods, Daniel refused, choosing to obey God rather than the king. His faithfulness led him into the lion’s den, yet God protected him. Daniel’s example shows that Christians can honor authority without compromising their faith, even when it means facing persecution.
Applying Romans 13 to Modern Governments: The Challenge for Christians Today
Today, the challenge of Romans 13 is just as relevant as it was in Paul’s time. Christians live in a wide variety of political contexts—some under democratic governments, others under authoritarian regimes, and many under governments that uphold laws and policies that seem contrary to Christian values. How can believers apply Paul’s teachings in these diverse circumstances?
- Obeying Civil Laws and Paying Taxes
Paul is clear that Christians are to obey civil laws, pay taxes, and respect leaders. In a modern context, this means that believers should participate in the civic responsibilities of their countries, including voting, following laws, and contributing through taxes. Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s but give to God what is God’s possession, namely us. - Resisting Injustice without Rebelling
While Paul calls for submission to authorities, he does not endorse unjust systems or suggest that Christians should remain passive in the face of injustice. Instead, believers are called to resist evil without resorting to rebellion or violence. Jesus himself provided the perfect model for this when he submitted to Roman authorities during his trial and crucifixion, yet never compromised his message of mercy and justice.
Christians today can take a similar approach. For example, when governments pass laws that are clearly against God, believers can engage in peaceful resistance, advocate for change, and work within legal frameworks to bring about reform and use the rights of citizens like Paul did. But, as Paul reminds us, this must be done with a spirit of love and respect, avoiding violence and rebellion.
- Navigating Conflicting Allegiances
One of the most difficult situations for Christians is when the demands of government directly conflict with the teachings of Christ. For instance, governments may sanction many practices which Christians may oppose on moral grounds. In such cases, believers must prioritize their allegiance to God over the state.
However, even in resisting government actions, Paul’s call for peace remains paramount. Christians are not called to overthrow governments or incite rebellion but to stand firm in their convictions while living at peace with everyone, as Paul wrote in Romans 12:18, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
The Role of Prayer and Trust in God’s Sovereignty
Another key lesson from Romans 13 is the importance of trusting God’s sovereignty over human affairs. Paul emphasizes that no authority exists apart from God’s will. This means that even when governments fail or act unjustly, God is still in control.
As Christians, we are called to pray for our leaders, regardless of whether we agree with their policies or actions. Prayer is a powerful way to seek God’s guidance and wisdom for those in authority, as well as to express our trust in His ultimate plan. By praying for our leaders, we acknowledge that they, too, are under God’s authority and that His will can be accomplished even through imperfect human systems.
In many churches, prayers for government leaders are a regular part of worship, as a reminder that we are to intercede for those who govern, asking that they lead with justice, mercy, and wisdom. This is a practice rooted in Paul’s teachings, and it serves as a reminder that while Christians may not always agree with their leaders, they are still called to seek the best for their nations through prayer.
Living Out Romans 13: Love as the Fulfillment of the Law
In the final part of Romans 13, Paul ties the concept of submission to authority with the broader Christian command to love. He writes, “Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.” (Romans 13:8 NIV)
For Paul, love is the ultimate fulfillment of the law. Christians are called to love their neighbors, including those in positions of power, and this love guides how they interact with authority. By loving others, believers demonstrate their faith in action, honoring God while fulfilling their civic responsibilities.
In practical terms, this means that even when we disagree with our leaders or laws, we are to respond with love and respect, seeking peace rather than conflict. Love compels us to act with integrity, justice, and compassion, regardless of the political climate.
Conclusion: Submission with Discernment and Faith
Romans 13 presents a complex and sometimes uncomfortable message for Christians. It calls for submission to authority while maintaining faithfulness to God, even in difficult circumstances. The key to understanding this passage is discerning when submission is appropriate and when it becomes necessary to resist in order to remain true to God’s commands.
Ultimately, Romans 13 is a call to trust in God’s sovereignty over all things, including human governments. It encourages believers to live in peace, to fulfill their civic duties, and to resist sin always. Most importantly, it reminds Christians that love is the highest law, guiding how we navigate the challenges of living under imperfect governments in an imperfect world. Through prayer, discernment, and unwavering faith, believers can live out Paul’s teachings with grace and integrity.
