Romans 13:1-7
God’s people submit to worldly authorities because Christ is King over them all.
Paul continues to unpack how God’s people are called to live in the world. In this paragraph, he turns his attention to the church’s relationship with the government.
The Roman government was the one that had kicked the Jewish Christians out for five years, and it was also the one that had brought them back in. The Roman government slaughtered young children at the news of Jesus’ birth, and the Roman government brought about his death. Needless to say, the Roman government didn’t always praise good and punish evil.
And yet, Paul says that in the grand scheme of things, the government sits in the palm of God’s hand. Ideally, they do praise good and punish evil. But even when they don’t, God’s people are called to do their part to live peaceably as citizens - first of heaven, and second as their country.
Questions
It’s easy to automatically think about our relationship to our modern government. But first…
…what do you know about the early church’s relationship to the Roman empire? How might they have felt about being told to submit, pay taxes, show honor, etc.?
…what does Paul say about God’s relationship with the governments of the world?
How do we deal with the difference between what God says governments are for and how we experience them?
Are there exceptions to the command to submit to the authorities?
How is it both good and complicated that we’re called to do good, listen to our conscience, show all people respect and honor, and also not live in fear of the government’s sword?
Are there ever times when submitting to the government isn’t submitting to the Lord? Based on what?
Read Acts 17:22-27. What does this add to God’s relationship with nations and governments?
Consider the spread of the gospel, beginning with Jesus and spreading through the early church. What role did government play?
Was there a difference between what the government was about and what God ultimately used them to do?
Read 1 Peter 2:13-17. What does Peter add to this conversation?
How do Peter’s words - combined with Paul’s words and Jesus’ example - guide us in our conduct, posture, and way we understand the place of government in the grand scheme of things?
Does this challenge or comfort you in any way?