Romans 13:1 states, “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” This verse has been interpreted in different ways throughout history, but ultimately points to an important biblical principle regarding a Christian’s relationship with human governments.
The Context of Romans 13:1
Romans 13 comes after 12 chapters of dense theological arguments by the Apostle Paul regarding sin, salvation, and righteousness. In chapter 12, Paul begins to shift into practical instruction for how Christians ought to live in light of the gospel. Romans 13:1-7 specifically focuses on a Christian’s obligation to human governing authorities.
The original audience of Romans included both Jewish and Gentile Christians living in Rome. They were a minority group facing opposition and persecution from the Roman authorities. In this context, Paul surprisingly calls Christians to submit to those very authorities that were oppressing them.
Three Kinds of Obedience
Based on Romans 13:1, theologians throughout church history have outlined three main ways Christians are called to respond to governing authorities:
- Civic Obedience: Obey laws, pay taxes, comply with requirements, etc. This is based on Paul’s commands in Romans 13 to obey, pay taxes, give honor, etc.
- Conscientious Objection: Refuse to obey certain laws if they directly conflict with God’s moral standards, while still maintaining an overall submission. This is implied by Peter and John continuing to preach despite orders not to (Acts 4-5).
- Civil Disobedience: Engage in nonviolent resistance, protest, advocacy. This is modeled by Paul appealing his case to Caesar (Acts 25:11), and the biblical precedent of the midwives refusing to kill Hebrew babies (Ex. 1:15-21).
Romans 13:1 provides the foundation for civic obedience, even while allowing for conscientious objection and civil disobedience in more extreme cases in order to uphold justice.
Four Key Principles
Within Romans 13:1, there are four key principles that create a framework for understanding Christian civic responsibility:
- Governing Authorities are Appointed by God: This does not mean authorities always act in Godly ways, but they have a general divine mandate for civil governance.
- Submission Should Therefore be General: Christians are called to a general posture of obedience and honor, even if specific dissent may at times be necessary.
- The Purpose of Authorities is for Order: Governing powers, even if pagan, help provide social order and prevent harm, which is a good function.
- Consequences Exist for Disobedience: Rulers “do not bear the sword in vain” (v4), implying punishment can rightly occur for civil disobedience.
These principles affirm governmental authority while allowing room for objection when directly conflicting with God’s moral law.
Various Positions on Romans 13:1
Throughout church history, Christians have interpreted Romans 13:1 in several ways:
- Unqualified Support of Authorities: Based on a literal reading, some argue Christians must obey civil authorities under all circumstances unless directly conflicting with God’s commands. This is the general historical position of many, including Luther and Calvin.
- Unqualified Resistance to Authorities: Others such as certain Anabaptist or liberation theology groups argue resistance to unjust authorities takes priority over obedience in all cases.
- Two Kingdom Approach: Luther later proposed God operates in two domains – the secular government for public order, and the church for spiritual affairs. Christians submit in the secular domain but not always the spiritual.
- Grudging Necessity Approach: St Augustine argued obedience is a necessary evil, as governments are a result of The Fall yet needed to prevent chaos.
- Principled and Limited Support: Aquinas and others struck a balance – submission to legitimate authority for order, but refusal if commands violate the moral law.
The principled but limited support view has become the most common modern evangelical reading of Romans 13:1, offering a middle way between the extremes of unqualified support or resistance.
Romans 13:1 in Modern Democracies
The rise of modern democracies creates new dynamics in applying Romans 13:1. Christians debate their role in relation to participatory government:
- Some argue democracy empowers majorities to enact immoral policies Christians cannot obey.
- Others believe democratic processes enable Christians to influence authorities toward righteousness.
- Most agree democracy provides opportunities for advocacy unavailable to ancient Christians yet maintain the call to submit even to frustrating outcomes.
Romans 13:1 continues to play a central role in discussions of church and state. Christians widely see it as affirming the state’s divine role while limiting unconditional obedience. Applications beyond civic duty invoke increasing debate.
Submitting to Christ Above All
Romans 13:1-7 must be read in light of its larger New Testament context. While submitting to ruling powers, Peter also declared “We must obey God rather than men” when authorities commanded them to stop preaching Jesus (Acts 5:29). And Revelation 13 presents an apocalyptic vision of the state as a satanic beast demanding idolatrous allegiance. This implies limits to submission if authorities attempt to usurp the place of Christ.
In summary, Romans 13:1 neither promotes unquestioning obedience nor anti-authoritarian rebellion. It calls Christians to a principled and discerning civic responsibility – honoring governing powers but offering objection if directly commanded to violate God’s moral standards. Wise Christians will seek guidance from scripture and the Spirit in navigating this nuanced obligation in their own societies today.
Key Points of Romans 13:1
- Directly calls Christians to submit to governing authorities.
- Grounds this obligation in God’s providential ordering of authority structures.
- Presents a prima facie duty of obedience, honor, taxes, etc. to civic rulers.
- Has historically been interpreted in various ways from unqualified support to unqualified resistance.
- Can allow for conscientious objection and civil disobedience if authorities directly compel evil.
- Introduces ambiguity for Christians in relation to participatory democracies.
- Must be balanced with Christians’ higher allegiance to Christ alone.
- Requires wisdom in each age to apply properly.
Implications and Applications of Romans 13:1
Romans 13:1 provides an important principle for Christians engaging with the state. It points to several implications and applications:
- Christians should be exemplary in obeying just laws – paying taxes, following regulations, showing respect.
- Active, participatory citizenship is appropriate including advocacy for moral policies.
- Supreme allegiance is to Christ, so civil disobedience may at times be required.
- Scripture and ethics, not simplistic rules, should guide civil disobedience.
- Even civil resistance should be carried out in a loving tone.
- Christians can work to reform laws but must also be willing to patiently endure unjust results.
- Governments should be honored but not worshipped or treated as saviors.
- Power always requires accountability, so Christians should speak prophetically against state abuses of authority.
- No Christian system of church-state relations has been perfectly implemented, so humility rather than dogmatism is required.
- Jesus’ Kingdom stands above all earthly powers, so Christians’ ultimate trust and allegiance remains with Him.
In summary, Romans 13:1 calls for thoughtful, balanced, faithful citizenship that navigates the complexities of our fallen world by relying on biblical wisdom and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Exhortations to Governing Authorities from Romans 13:1-7
While addressed to subjects, Romans 13:1-7 also implies exhortations to those in positions of civil authority:
- Recognize your authority is delegated by God for the specific purpose of upholding justice and restraining evil.
- Serve as a “minister of God” by rewarding good and punishing wrongdoing.
- Fulfill your duties for the sake of conscience and duty, not mere expedience.
- Remember that true authority requires accountability and moral constraints.
- Rule with wisdom and humility, avoiding prideful abuse of power.
- Seek the common good above selfish gain.
- Treat subjects equitably regardless of status or affiliations.
- Show self-restraint in the exercise of coercive force.
- Respect rights of conscience when making demands of subjects.
- Submit your own conduct to the highest moral standards.
Governing authorities answer to God for stewarding their position rightly. These exhortations suggest how to fulfill that solemn responsibility.
Conclusion
Romans 13:1 has been debated for centuries, yet still provides wise guidance for how Christians should relate to governing powers. It calls for thoughtful, principled support and participation balanced with accountability. Both subjects and rulers require wisdom in applying its timeless truths to ever-changing contexts. Above all, Christians look to Jesus as the ultimate Ruler and Authority over every earthly power.