"Be subject to the governing authorities." Romans 13:1

A BIBLICAL VIEW OF GOVERNMENTS

The apostle Paul was no politician. He never did involve himself in any political activities. He lived in a day and age when the Romans ruled their world with an iron fist. How were believers to regard their rulers? Paul offered an important Biblical view.

"Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities.
For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities
that exist are appointed by God."
Romans 13:1

1. Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities

a) Not every soul was willing to be subject to the Romans.

b) There were many groups that rebelled (but were always brutally put down).

c) Many were upset because of the heavy-handed approach of the Romans.

d) Paul offered a different approach for many- he taught "subjection to the rulers".

2. Reasons for this approach

It is important to ask ourselves how Paul reasoned as he did! Let us attempt to follow his line of reasoning:-

a) The question of "authority"

i) This is a vital subject to comprehend.

ii) Where did the governing authorities obtain their authority?

iii) To Paul, all governments obtained their authority from God Himself.

b) The question of "existing authorities"

i) Paul made it clear that he believed that even the present Roman rulers were appointed by God.

ii) Receiving authority from God does not mean that the government is therefore a righteous one.

iii) Paul suffered under the Romans too, but he still believed that their authority came from God.

iv) Subjection is not just to human authority but to Divine power as well!