Understanding Romans 13: Submitting to Governing Authorities

The thirteenth chapter of the Epistle to the Romans is a profound and often debated passage concerning the Christian’s relationship to governing authorities. In an age marked by political upheaval and societal unrest, understanding Paul’s inspired words becomes not merely an academic exercise but a vital guide for faithful living. While some interpret Romans 13:1-7 as an absolute command for unquestioning obedience to all governmental decrees, a careful, holistic reading of Scripture reveals a more nuanced and Biblically sound perspective. Paul’s instruction is not a blanket endorsement of tyranny, but rather a declaration of God’s sovereign hand in establishing order and restraining evil through human institutions.

God's Ordination of Authority

Paul begins with a foundational truth: all authority is established by God. He writes:

Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

Romans 13:1

This does not mean that every ruler or every specific government action is directly willed by God in an absolute sense, but rather that the institution of government itself is part of God's design for a fallen world. Without governing authorities, chaos would reign, and human societies would descend into anarchy. God, in His wisdom, permits and uses earthly rulers, even wicked ones, to accomplish His purposes, just as He used Pharaoh or Nebuchadnezzar. To resist the legitimate authority of government, therefore, is to resist an ordinance that God Himself has established for the well-being of society.

The Purpose and Role of Government

Paul further elaborates on the divine purpose of civil government. It is not merely to exist, but to serve as "the minister of God" (Romans 13:4) for the good of its citizens. Its primary functions include:

  • Punishing Evil: "For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil." (Romans 13:3). The sword, a symbol of judicial and punitive power, is borne by the ruler "not in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil." (Romans 13:4). This speaks to the government's role in maintaining justice and order by deterring and punishing crime.
  • Praising Good: "Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:" (Romans 13:3). A righteous government should commend and protect those who do good, fostering a society where virtue can flourish.
  • Collecting Tribute and Custom: Paul instructs believers to pay taxes and customs: "For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour." (Romans 13:6-7). This acknowledges the financial needs of government to perform its duties.

    • The Christian's submission, therefore, is not merely out of fear of punishment, but "for conscience sake" (Romans 13:5), recognizing that by submitting to legitimate authority, one is honoring God’s design for order.

    The Limits of Submission: Obedience to God Over Man

    While Romans 13 clearly calls for submission, it is crucial to understand that this submission is not absolute or unconditional when it conflicts with God's higher law. The Bible provides clear precedence and principles for when believers must choose to obey God rather than men.

    When human authority commands what God forbids, or forbids what God commands, the Christian's allegiance must unequivocally lie with God. The apostles themselves set this precedent:

    Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

    Acts 5:29

    This principle is not an excuse for rebellion or anarchy, but a recognition of a higher moral and spiritual authority. True submission to God means resisting any command that would cause one to sin against Him.

    Consider these Biblical examples of righteous disobedience:

    • The Hebrew Midwives: When Pharaoh commanded them to kill all male Israelite babies, they "feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive." (Exodus 1:17). God blessed them for their faithfulness.
    • Daniel and His Friends: Daniel refused to stop praying, despite a royal decree forbidding prayer to anyone but the king (Daniel 6:10). Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to bow down to Nebuchadnezzar's golden image, declaring, "Be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up." (Daniel 3:18).
    • The Apostles: When commanded by the Sanhedrin not to preach in the name of Jesus, they boldly declared, "We cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard." (Acts 4:20) and later, "We ought to obey God rather than men." (Acts 5:29).

    In each case, these individuals did not seek to overthrow the government or incite rebellion, but they refused to compromise their faith or violate God's commands. Their disobedience was passive, principled, and focused on upholding divine law.

    Love as the Fulfilling of the Law

    Immediately following his discourse on submission to authorities, Paul transitions to the overarching principle of love:

    Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

    Romans 13:8-10

    This transition is crucial. It reminds us that our submission to governing authorities, like all our actions, must be rooted in love. Our obedience to laws, payment of taxes, and respect for order are expressions of love for our neighbor and for society, contributing to a stable environment where the gospel can flourish. Love does not seek to harm or destabilize. Therefore, if a government's actions are demonstrably unloving, unjust, or destructive to human flourishing as defined by God's character, it compels the Christian to discern carefully.

    Conclusion: Discerning Faithful Submission

    Understanding Romans 13 requires a balanced perspective, acknowledging both God's ordination of government and His supreme authority. Christians are called to be exemplary citizens, upholding law and order, paying taxes, and praying for their leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-2). This submission is for the sake of the gospel and for the good of society.

    However, when the state oversteps its God-given bounds and demands actions that directly contradict God's Word, the believer is compelled to obey God rather than men. This is not rebellion against the institution of government, but a loyal adherence to the higher authority of God. Such acts of principled disobedience are rare and grave, undertaken with prayer, wisdom, and a clear conscience, always seeking to honor God and bear witness to His truth, even if it means suffering for righteousness' sake. Our ultimate allegiance is to the King of kings, and His kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36).