I was 10 years old when the Princess Bride hit the big screen. I am not sure exactly when I saw it first, but I know it wasn't in a theater. Sometime later, I got the swashbuckling experience via video tape. One scene in particular has been playing in my mind recently. I constantly see articles, hear podcasts, listen to discussion around the use of Romans 13 and I think to myself, "You keep quoting that chapter... But I do not think it means what you think it means."
So let's take a moment to examine Romans 13. What does it say, what does it mean, and what does it not mean? If you are looking for something lighthearted, this may not be the blog post for you. Come back next week. If you are looking for how to rightly understand the role of government and when civil disobedience is acceptable... right this way.
Let's start with What does Romans 13 say?
[1] Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.The authorities that exist have been established by God. [2] Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. [3] For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. [4] For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. [5] Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience. [6] This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. [7] Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
This is a passage written to Christians in Rome during the Roman Empire. Having a Christian church in the capital of the Roman Empire was a big deal and the news about this church quickly spread throughout the known world. This is part of a larger letter in which Paul is writing to these Christians to encourage them, give them a doctrinal foundation, and instruct them into godly living. Can we all agree thus far?
What Paul writes in this portion is pretty straight forward... be subject to the governing authorities, there is no authority except that which God has established, and so, do what is right. So far so good. I don't think anyone is going to disagree with what has been said to this point. The disagreement arrives as we get into what it means.
What does Romans 13 mean?
Where the divergence on understanding begins is in how we apply the words of Romans 13. Many seem to think this is a Holy Spirit inspired prescription to blindly follow any governing authorities as they pass down edicts. This has proven problematic over the past 18 months as in the United States (though this is in no way limited to this nation alone), presidents, representatives, state governors, and city officials may have encroached upon the constitution’s explanation of inalienable rights recognized within it.
I think it is worth noting a couple things about the governing authorities Paul presents. First, they are established by God. So from where do they derive their authority? From God. We should be able to see rightful authority as authority that has God's word at its foundation whether they recognize Him or not. So "Do not murder" is a law all Christians should obey, because it finds a foundation in the word of God. But "Murder infant boys," whether during Egyptian captivity or in first century Israel, is not a lawful command a God fearing person should follow.
This makes increasing sense when we look at the rest of Paul's description. He says they "hold no terror for those who do right." So Paul is talking about a government that should not intimidate those do what is right. But right by what standard? Well if it is legitimate authority, God's word. Further Paul says, "the one in authority is God’s servant for your good" and that "agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer." Paul is outlining the role of godly government. They work to the benefit of the people they rule over and punish the law breaker among them.
Case Study
In Acts chapter 3, Peter and John are headed to the temple at the time of prayer. They encounter a paralyzed man begging and Peter heals him in Jesus name. For their efforts, Peter and John are arrested and thrown in prison. After a night in prison, an interrogation, and a discussion among the ruling religious elite, a decision is made. Peter and John will be let go, under the agreement that they no longer speak or teach in the name of Jesus. Peter boldly replies, "Which is right in God's eyes: to listen to you or to him?"
The current Romans 13 crowd would say there is no difference. If every single governing authority is God ordained... the voice of God and government is one in the same. So submit. But that is somehow not where Peter lands. He finishes by telling the governing authorities, "As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard."
"Peter, how could you? Romans 13, Peter!"
Peter rightly saw that the people in the position were not legitimate authority by the standard of God's word and witness. His conscience would not allow submission to be his posture. Peter is not dealing with the government of Romans 13. This is a government that is punishing good deeds instead of wrongdoers. This is a government that terrorizes those who follow God and rewards those who would disobey Him in subjection to man.
The description Paul gives in Romans 13 does not describe the Sanhedrin Peter appeared before. It doesn't describe the Roman Empire for that matter. So why does Paul write such a thing to people in Rome if it doesn't apply to them? It does. It's godly wisdom. It is the precise application of what he said at the end of chapter 12, "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Paul is encouraging Christians to live in humility, not to partner with every evil authority. He's drawing out what it looks like to live at peace with those around us as much as we are able.
What does Romans 13 not mean?
Paul isn't saying believers have carte blanche in disobeying governing authorities because every government is corrupted by sin. Rather, I believe this to be an admonition to thoughtfully consider what the government's role is, whether their laws and direction are permissible and acceptable, and how we as Christ followers should respond. Much like Daniel and his companions in the lion's den, and Paul imprisoned for the gospel centuries later, there are real world consequences when we disobey governing authorities.
While Romans 13 isn't a blind acceptance of every ordinance from on high, Paul is encouraging us toward godly living in the eyes of government. It is a treatise on what being a living sacrifice looks like in relation to those who are in positions of authority. I should carefully arrive at any decision in which I would choose obstinance to the laws of man. I should be ready to face the sword, recognizing that I am bringing the judgement of those who made the laws onto myself. And, when necessary, I should bravely stand.
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