These verses are part of Paul’s teaching on how we, as followers of Christ, should relate to governing authorities. This passage has been widely discussed throughout history, especially in times of political tension and societal unrest. It raises important questions about obedience, justice, and our ultimate allegiance to God. Let’s explore the meaning and significance of these verses and how they apply to our lives today.
Authority as Part of God’s Design
Paul’s statement is bold and direct: "Let every soul be in subjection to the higher authorities." This means that as followers of Christ, we are called to respect and submit to governing authorities because their power is ultimately allowed by God.
God is sovereign over all rulers – No authority exists outside of God’s control. This echoes Daniel 2:21: "He changes the times and the seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings." Even when leaders do not acknowledge God, their ability to rule comes from Him. Isaiah 1:23-24 reminds us the Lord will avenge the wicked rulers: "Your princes are rebellious, and companions of thieves. Everyone loves bribes, and follows after rewards. They don’t judge the fatherless, neither does the cause of the widow come to them. Therefore the Lord, Yahweh of Armies, the Mighty One of Israel, says: “Ah, I will get relief from my adversaries, and avenge myself on my enemies.”
Government serves a purpose – While human governments are imperfect, they exist to bring order and justice. Paul expands on this in the following verses, explaining that rulers are meant to be "God’s servants for your good" (Romans 13:4). Ideally, they are responsible for maintaining peace and punishing wrongdoing.
Submission does not mean blind obedience – While we are called to respect authority, our ultimate obedience is to God. When human laws contradict God’s commands, we must follow God rather than men, as seen in Acts 5:29: "We must obey God rather than men." There are times in history when standing against corrupt leadership is necessary, but our attitude should still reflect humility and trust in God’s justice.
The Consequence of Resisting Authority
Paul continues: "Therefore he who resists the authority withstands the ordinance of God; and those who withstand will receive to themselves judgment."
Rebelling against rightful authority is rebelling against God – Since God establishes authority, resisting it can mean resisting God’s order. However, this does not mean all authority is righteous. The Bible is full of examples where God opposes unjust rulers and calls His people to do the same.
Judgment follows rebellion – When we defy rightful authority, we may face legal or societal consequences. More importantly, if our rebellion is rooted in selfishness or pride rather than obedience to God, we put ourselves under His judgment.
Balancing Submission and Righteousness
These verses should not be interpreted as an endorsement of every government or leader. The Bible shows that there are times when standing against authority is necessary, such as:
The Hebrew midwives in Egypt – They disobeyed Pharaoh’s command to kill Israelite baby boys (Exodus 1:17), choosing to fear God rather than follow an evil law.
Daniel and his friends – They refused to bow to idols or stop praying to God, even when threatened with death (Daniel 3:16-18, Daniel 6:10). Likewise Mordecai didn’t bow down or pay him homage (Esther 3:2-5)
The apostles – When ordered to stop preaching about Jesus, they responded in Acts 5:29: "We must obey God rather than men."
This shows that while we are called to submit to authority, there are limits when human laws contradict God’s commands.
Applying This Passage Today
Romans 13:1-2 remains relevant in our modern world. Here’s how we can apply it:
Respect the rule of law – We should be good citizens, obeying laws that promote justice and order.
Pray for leaders – 1 Timothy 2:1-2 urges us to pray for those in authority so that we may live peaceful lives.
Stand for righteousness – If laws or leaders oppose God’s ways, we should stand firm in our faith, speaking truth with wisdom and love.
Conclusion: Romans 13:1-2 teaches us that all authority comes from God, and we are called to respect and submit to governing powers. However, our ultimate allegiance is to God. When human laws conflict with God’s commands, we must choose righteousness while maintaining a spirit of humility and trust in God’s sovereignty. By balancing submission with faithfulness, we reflect Christ’s character in a complex world.
See also: vs 5-6
Romans 13:1-2. Let every soul be in subjection to the higher authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those who exist are ordained by God. Therefore he who resists the authority, withstands the ordinance of God; and those who withstand will receive to themselves judgment.