Romans 13:1-7: Respect for Authority, Even When It’s Tough

What’s the Idea?

In a nutshell, Paul is saying that we should respect and obey the government. Whoa, hold on! Before you start listing all the reasons why that’s impossible, let’s dig a little deeper.

Why Should We Respect the Government?

• God’s in Charge: Paul says that all authority comes from God. This doesn’t mean every leader is perfect, but it does mean they’re in their position for a reason.
• Order and Peace: Think about it – without some kind of structure and rules, things would be chaotic! The government helps keep things running smoothly so we can live our lives in peace.
• Consequences: Paul’s pretty clear that if we rebel against the authorities, there will be consequences. He’s not just talking about getting in trouble with the law, but also facing God’s judgment.

But What If…?

Okay, now for the tough questions.

• What if the government is corrupt or unjust? This is where things get tricky. Paul doesn’t directly address this, but other parts of the Bible show us that there are times when we might need to stand up for what’s right, even if it means disobeying the government. Think of the early Christians who refused to worship the Roman emperor.
• What if I disagree with a law? We all have opinions, and sometimes those opinions clash with the laws of the land. Paul encourages us to obey the laws as much as possible, but he also reminds us to follow our conscience. If a law goes against your deeply held beliefs, you might need to make a tough choice.
• Do I have to agree with everything the government does? Definitely not! It’s okay to question things, debate issues, and even peacefully protest. In fact, that’s part of being a responsible citizen.

The Bottom Line

Respecting authority doesn’t mean being a blind follower. It means recognising that there’s a bigger picture at play and trying to live in a way that honours God and contributes to the well-being of society.

Some Key Takeaways

• Obey the laws as much as possible.
• Respect those in authority, even if you don’t always agree with them.
• Stand up for what’s right, even if it’s difficult.
• Use your voice to make a positive difference.
• Pray for your leaders.

Remember, we’re all in this together. Let’s try to live in a way that reflects God’s love and brings peace to our world.

C.H. Spurgeon’s commentary on Romans 13:1-7

He emphasises the importance of submitting to governing authorities. He highlights several key points:

• Divine ordination of authority: All authority comes from God, even if the rulers themselves are flawed. Resisting authority is akin to resisting God’s ordinance.
• Purpose of government: Government serves to maintain order and punish wrongdoing, allowing for peaceful living. It’s not meant to be feared by those who do good, but by those who do evil.
• Obligation to obey: Every person, regardless of their position, is obligated to submit to the governing authorities. This includes paying taxes and giving due respect to those in power.
• Limits of submission: While submission is expected, conscience remains subject to God alone. There may be rare instances where obedience to God conflicts with obedience to human authority.
• Christian conduct: Believers are called to live exemplary lives, surpassing the laws by their conduct and showcasing love even in the face of persecution.

Spurgeon acknowledges that questions may arise about corrupt or unjust rulers, but he maintains that the general principle of submission remains. He doesn’t explicitly address scenarios where civil disobedience might be necessary, but his focus is on fostering a spirit of obedience and respect for authority within the framework of Christian living.

There are some who say that the only reason Paul writes in such a positive way about government is because he has not yet been unjustly persecuted by government. According to this view, Paul was naively optimistic about the role of government. However, Paul bases his argument not upon his own experience but upon some fundamental theological beliefs. These beliefs include the idea that God ordained government and a recognition of
God’s absolute sovereignty. If these two premises are each true, then Paul’s conclusion is valid. That conclusion is that rebellion against government is rebellion against God. Paul, of course, would agree with the other apostles who in the book of Acts declared that it is better to obey God than man (Acts 5:29). When the choice is between obeying God or man, choose to obey God. However, most of what government requires us to do does not violate the law of God. Therefore, we have a responsibility in most cases to obey God by obeying man!

Matthew Henry on Romans 13:1-7:

Key Points

• Submission to Authority: The core message is that we should submit to and obey the governing authorities. Even if the people in power are flawed, the authority they hold should be respected.
• God’s Ordination: All authority comes from God, and those in power are ordained by Him. This doesn’t mean every leader is perfect, but they are in their position for a reason.
• Purpose of Government: The government’s role is to maintain order and protect its citizens. It’s not a terror to good people but to those who do wrong.
• Paying Taxes and Duties: Paying taxes and fulfilling our civic duties is part of our submission to authority.
• Motivation for Obedience: Fear of punishment is one reason to obey, but doing good and maintaining a clear conscience should be the primary motivation.

Additional Insights

• Henry emphasises the importance of quiet and peaceful behaviour in a community.
• He also points out that obeying the government is part of fulfilling the broader commandment to love your neighbour.

In summary, Matthew Henry’s commentary highlights the importance of respecting and obeying authority, even if we don’t always agree with those in power. He underscores that this submission is ultimately rooted in our relationship with God and our duty to contribute to a peaceful and orderly society.

The grace of the gospel teaches us submission and quiet, where pride and the carnal mind only see causes for murmuring and discontent. Whatever the persons in authority over us themselves may be, yet the just power they have, must be submitted to and obeyed. In the general course of human affairs, rulers are not a terror to honest, quiet, and good subjects, but to evil-doers. Such is the power of sin and corruption, that many will be kept back from crimes only by the fear of punishment. Thou hast the benefit of the government, therefore do what thou canst to preserve it, and nothing to disturb it. This directs private persons to behave quietly and peaceably where God has set them, 1 Timothy 2:1,2. Christians must not use any trick or fraud. All smuggling, dealing in contraband goods, withholding or evading duties, is rebellion against the express command of God. Thus honest neighbours are robbed, who will have to pay the more; and the crimes of smugglers, and others who join with them, are abetted. It is painful that some professors of the gospel should countenance such dishonest practices. The lesson here taught it becomes all Christians to learn and practise, that the godly in the land will always be found the quiet and the peaceable in the land, whatever others are.