For many, the Bible is clear, “be in subjection to the governing authorities” (Rom 13:1). So, if you don’t like what Trump is doing, too bad. The Bible says he is God’s agent and that we must submit to him.
Besides, illegal immigrants are criminals, and they need to be locked up and deported. Venezuela is running a drug cartel that threatens our national security. And Gaza—well, we should talk about that sometime.
Really?
For the record, Romans 13:1-7 does not say “obey” your government. Nor does it say that everything the government does is good and ordained by God.
So, on this election day, we thought we would ask, “What does Romans 13:1-7 say?”
Intriguingly, this passage is only invoked when our political convictions are in power. Where was this verse when the Nazi’s were in power? Or, where was this verse when Biden/Trump/Obama/Bush/Clinton were in power?
Romans 13:1-7 has been used to sanction slavery, South African apartheid, and a host of unjust practices.
Back in 2018, Attorney General Jeff Sessions used Romans 13 to defend separating children from their parents: “Illegal entry into the United States is a crime—as it should be. Persons who violate the law of our nation are subject to prosecution. I would cite you to the apostle Paul and his clear and wise command in Romans 13 to obey the laws of the government because God has ordained them for the purpose of order.”
NB: There are some truths in Sessions’ statement. But his abuse of the passage—namely, using it to justify inhumanities—grossly outweighs them.
What is Romans 13 about?
Well, if Romans 13:1-7 is not about ceding all authority to the government as if they can do no wrong because they are God’s agents, then what is it about?
In short, Paul was concerned that the Christ followers in Rome exemplify love towards all, including those in power who were persecuting some of them, and become known for their good works.
The background for this passage is seemingly stated in Romans 13:6-7: Paul’s primary concern was that some of the Christ followers were considering an insurrection against Rome by not paying taxes:
“For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing. Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor” (Rom 13:6-7).
Several textual clues help us understand Paul’s message and why it is not an endorsement of all governments and their policies. In addition, there is a larger contextual background that helps to understand this text.
NB: It is incredulous that some would actually believe that Paul would unquestioningly endorse Rome!
Textual clues for reading Romans 13 well
First, it is critical to recognize that Romans 13:1-7 is a part of a larger section that begins in Rom 12:9 and ends with Rom 13:10: Note how “love” frames the section: “Let love be without hypocrisy” (12:9); “. . . therefore love is the fulfillment of the law” (13:10).
Second, Paul’s stress on “love” must be understood in light of his call to sacrificial living. Paul has already established, “For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death” (Rom 6:5). He has also reiterated this claim in Rom 12:1-2, where he calls us all to become “a living and holy sacrifice.”
Contextual Background for reading Romans 13 well
Several key contextual issues help frame Paul’s concerns.
For one, Paul was concerned that some Christians in Rome were considering an insurrection against Rome.
Paul replies that this is not how we do things. Instead, we suffer at the hands of the empire while maintaining a love for our enemies.
NB: In the modern Western world, we read Romans, and the whole Bible for that matter, from our individualistic worldview. But the NT world, and the OT world for that matter, would not have done so. Paul is not addressing our personal, individual enemies, as if we all have them, but of our enemies: i.e., the enemies of God’s people—Rome. This is why Romans 13 must be read in light of Revelation 13!
Second, in the middle of the first century, there was always the fear that a Jewish group—and the Christ followers were viewed as such—would participate in any of several Jewish insurrectionist movements.
NB: The war between Rome and Jerusalem may have officially occurred in 66-70 CE, but the tensions had been high for years. By the time Paul writes Romans (mid-50s), there had been four notable Jewish insurrectionist movements: Judas the Galilean, the Samaritans, Theudas, and the Egyptians.
That this was a concern for Paul is evident in that shortly after writing Romans, he finds himself under Roman arrest in Jerusalem. The Roman officer inquires, “Then you are not the Egyptian who some time ago stirred up a revolt and led the four thousand men of the Assassins out into the wilderness?” (Acts 21:38).
The fact that Jesus was crucified by Rome likely made it easy for Roman officials, once they learn of the followers of Jesus, to suppose that they were also insurrectionists.
Paul wants the people of God (the Church) to live in such a way that they are praised for their good deeds (Rom 13:3). In doing so, they would distinguish themselves from the various zealot groups.
Paul also wants the followers of Christ to be known by their love. This includes blessing those who persecute them (Rom 12:14).
NB: Paul depicts Rome as the source of persecution for the community. Thus, the notion that Rome was ordained by God and must be obeyed in everything is ludicrous.
What then was Paul saying in Romans 13:1-17?
Well, he is most certainly not saying that all governments must be obeyed, even when they do wrong, because they have been established by God. Nor is he claiming that because they have been established by God, whatever they do is right.
Instead, Paul exhorts the Christ followers in Rome to be known for their good deeds (Rom 13:3). Paul, in fact, notes that when they do good, they will receive “praise” (Rom 13:4). This may not, of course, always be the case. But it is indeed the goal.
Paul is calling the Christian community to be known for their love and good deeds (publicly), not for insurrection.
Romans 13 and Revelation 13
The book of Revelation strongly warns the people of God (the Church) from giving allegiance to the Beast (Rome). One either has the mark of the Beast on the forehead or the name of the Father and the Lamb.
NB: On the Determinetruth YouTube page, we have two playlists related to the book of Revelation. One is a series titled “Revelation Revealed.” In this series, we examine key sections of the book of Revelation to ask what they mean for us today, especially regarding immigration, war, poverty, and a host of other issues. A second series is titled, “The book of Revelation.” This series presents 15-minute videos or less that walk through the book of Revelation from chapter 1 to chapter 22.
NB: With this in view, I must say that there is a certain irony in that Christians who throw out Romans 13 as if it legitimized all acts of government are some of the same who defended the insurrection of January 6.
They are to bless, pay taxes, and overall be subject to those in authority. Note, being “subject” to the governing authorities does not mean they must “obey” them at all times.
Romans 13 also does not say that all government actions are just, to be obeyed, and fully justified in punishing those who disobey them.
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