Introduction
As Paul continues to show how a transformed life should function in everyday relationships, he now addresses the believer’s relationship to the government. In Romans 12, Paul said, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Now, in Romans 13, he teaches that one of the ways we do that is by submitting to the God-ordained structure of authority—even when it’s imperfect.
This passage is one of the clearest New Testament teachings on the Christian’s responsibility to human government, and it affirms that God’s sovereignty extends even over kings, laws, and nations.
Exposition and Key Themes
1. God is the Source of All Authority (Romans 13:1–2)
“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.”
Paul states plainly that all governing authorities are ultimately under God’s control. To resist them is to resist what God has appointed. This doesn’t mean every government is righteous—but it does mean God is sovereign over every power, using even pagan rulers to fulfill His purposes (as He did with Pharaoh, Cyrus, and Nebuchadnezzar).
2. The Government’s Role is to Restrain Evil (Romans 13:3–4)
“For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad… he is God’s servant for your good.”
Government is meant to maintain order, punish wrongdoers, and reward right behavior. When functioning properly, it serves the public good. Paul even calls the governing official “God’s servant.”
Christians should be known not only for resisting evil, but for doing good in society. We obey laws, pay taxes, and respect leaders—unless doing so would force us to disobey God (see Acts 5:29).
3. Obedience with a Clear Conscience (Romans 13:5–7)
“Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience.”
We submit not just to avoid punishment, but to honor God with a clean conscience. This includes paying taxes, giving respect and honor to those in authority, and recognizing God’s providence in civic life.
Life Application
- Do I trust God’s sovereignty over imperfect leaders?
Even when we disagree with policies or politics, can we still honor God by respecting the role of government? - Do I obey laws joyfully or begrudgingly?
A Spirit-filled believer honors God not only with actions, but also with attitude. - Do I distinguish between civil obedience and gospel loyalty?
We submit to earthly authority—until that authority commands disobedience to God (see Daniel 3, Acts 5:29). - Am I a good citizen and a faithful ambassador of Christ?
Paying taxes, voting wisely, and showing respect reflect Christ to a watching world.
Conclusion
Romans 13:1–7 teaches us that submission to human authority is part of our submission to God. Though the world’s governments are flawed, God’s purposes never are. By honoring the structures He allows, we show that we trust Him and desire peace and order in society. Above all, we remember: our highest allegiance is to the King of Kings. We are citizens of heaven—and faithful ambassadors on earth.