Romans Part 36

Romans 13 begins a discussion of how Christians are to relate to human government and authority. Paul makes the point that God is the ultimate source of authority in human affairs. Daniel 2:21 says that God “removes kings and raises up kings,” and Acts 17:26 explains that He has determined the boundaries of the nations and their dwelling places. This does not necessarily mean that every individual leader is specifically chosen or appointed by God. Rather, the institution of human authority and the existence of nations themselves ultimately fall under God's sovereignty.

In verses 2–3, Paul is speaking in general terms about the proper function of government. In most circumstances, human authorities provide order and restrain wrongdoing. We do not want to live in a society without laws, order, or consequences for evil. Even a deeply flawed government may be preferable to complete anarchy. At the same time, Scripture does not teach that every law made by a government is automatically righteous. Human governments can become profoundly evil. Nazi Germany is an obvious historical example, particularly in the way laws were used to target and destroy entire groups of people. An end-time government could likewise enact laws that directly conflict with God's commands, including laws that prohibit God's people from obeying Him. When human law comes into direct conflict with God's law, the Christian's ultimate allegiance must remain with God. Yet, to resist proper authority is to resist God, because the authority comes from God. To resist is to be subject to the natural consequences of disobedience and judgment from God.  

Verse 4 explains one of the primary responsibilities that God has given human authorities: they are supposed to punish evil and uphold justice. Governments are usually structured to fulfill this responsibility, yet corruption and perverse incentives often exist. Laws can punish what is good and permit what is evil, and justice can be distorted or even completely subverted within a legal system. Nevertheless, this does not change God's intended purpose for human authority. Nations and their leaders are accountable to God for how they exercise that authority, and they will ultimately answer to Him for the way they administer justice. In the meantime, Christians may sometimes have to live under judgments or policies with which they disagree. There is room for disagreement over government policy even when no clear violation of God's law is involved. This is similar to the instruction given in Ecclesiastes 8:2–5. 

“I say, ‘Keep the king’s commandment for the sake of your oath to God. Do not be hasty to go from his presence. Do not take your stand for an evil thing, for he does whatever pleases him.’ Where the word of a king is, there is power; And who may say to him, ‘What are you doing?’ 
He who keeps his command will experience nothing harmful; And a wise man’s heart discerns both time and judgment...”

Romans 13:5 says that submission is necessary not only because of the possibility of punishment but also “for conscience' sake.” Our conscience matters because we are not simply trying to avoid getting caught: we are trying to live in a way that is genuinely pleasing to God. This also begins to foreshadow the discussion in Romans 14 about matters of conscience and the importance of not judging one another over issues where Scripture gives room for individual conviction.

Verses 6–7 address taxes and other obligations to government. Paul says that taxes are owed to those to whom taxes are due and that Christians are to give proper respect and honor to those to whom it is owed. There is a great deal of rhetoric in modern political discussion, particularly in some American circles, that all taxation is theft. However appealing that argument may sound politically, it is not supported by Paul's instruction here.  

Jeremiah 29:7 provides an important perspective on this attitude. God's people were living in exile in Babylon, under a government that was hardly friendly to them, yet God instructed them to 

“seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile and pray to the LORD on its behalf.” 

Their welfare was connected to the welfare of the society in which they lived. That turns much of our natural political thinking on its head. Christians should not approach government with an inherently adversarial attitude. We should certainly oppose inhumane or immoral laws and policies when obedience to them would require disobedience to God, but where we can live peaceably and obediently, we should do so. Paul gives similar instruction in 1 Timothy 2:1–2, where Christians are told to pray for kings and everyone in authority so that we may live peaceful and godly lives.

Verse 8 contains an interesting wordplay: 

“Owe no one anything except to love one another.” 

Paul has just discussed owing taxes, revenue, respect, and honor to the appropriate authorities, and now he turns to the one debt that should never be considered completely paid: love. Obedience to legitimate government authority can actually be an expression of love for our neighbor. Paying taxes contributes to the functioning of society, respecting authority contributes to order, and praying for the welfare of the state reflects the principle of Jeremiah 29:7. The Christian's life of love therefore cannot be separated from the rest of life. We cannot compartmentalize our faith and say that religion applies to church while politics, citizenship, work, and everything else belong to a separate category. God's way of life is supposed to influence every part of how we live.

Epistles of Paul is a course taught at ABC by Mr. Steve Myers. Recordings from the 2023–2024 class year are available on the ABC website.

UYA Team | uya@ucg.org  

United Young Adults (UYA) primarily serves the 18–32-year age group for the United Church of God. There are three main areas of contribution to the lives of young adults: Promoting Spiritual Growth, Developing Meaningful Relationships and Making the Most of Your Talents. The Know Your Sword series is a daily expository message introducing God’s Word from a trusted perspective.