KJ
Rom 13:1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no
power but of God:
the powers that be are ordained of God.
Rom 13:2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
Rom 13:3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that
which is good, and
thou shalt have praise
of the same:
Rom 13:4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the
minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
Rom 13:5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
Rom 13:6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers,
attending continually upon this very thing.
Rom 13:7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is
due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
Main Points:
Coming off of chapter twelve and Paul’s call to the Christian to simply
practice “good” (beneficial) lives, he extends the “good vs. evil” paradigm to
apply to obedience to the government. Why would he need to say this?
NOTE: Read up on the Jerusalem riots of AD66 and then subsequent destruction of
Jerusalem in AD70. Right or wrong is not a distinguishing factor in history. It
was just for some of what Paul is speaking here that Rome moved in to destroy
the temple.
1.
Why must everyone be subject to the
governing authorities, according to Paul? Governments are arranged or appointed by God. Thus: If
we (or they) rebel against the government, we rebel against God. Let’s not
forget, this is the Holy Spirit speaking through Paul. There are many arguments
against this referring to the Roman government, most notably because Rome
executed Christians eventually. However, there are no indications that Paul is
speaking about God as the “higher power”.
2.
What must we do to not fear (concerning)
the power of the governing authorities? If you are not committing evil, you will not need to worry of
being punished.
3.
What authority do the governing
authorities wield? Simply,
it is authorized to punish “evil” (crime). Paul is bolstering chapter twelve’s “overcome
evil with good”. He is warning that the government has the authority from God
to punish what it deems “bad” conduct. It is a “terror” to such deeds.
4.
Why else should a person obey the
government? (5) They are
the “servant” (or minister) of God (6). (5) For “conscience” sake. Conscience G4893 συνείδησις suneidēsis soon-i'-day-sis From a prolonged form of G4894; co-perception, that is, moral consciousness:
- conscience. The word that is used derived for conscience means
co-perception t moral consciousness. It derivatives indicate “to see completely”
– “associate, union, together, companionship” – and “fleece” (as in the animal
skin). Paul is saying that there needs to be an understanding that opposing the
government is in direct conflict to this understanding. He elevates it to a
matter of conscience. We need to understand his audience in this and why he
needs to say this. Remember the Jews rebel in 66AD with riots, and by 70AD,
Jerusalem is sacked and the temple is destroyed. It is easy to get hung up
concerning the coming persecution of Christians and what Paul is saying here. Let’s
also remember, Rome just wanted peace and taxes. Israel was afforded the
benefit of religion and not being entirely annihilated. That sounds terrible,
but that is the way things worked. (And still do in many places)
5.
What is commanded concerning taxes? Why?
Again, the government
is ordained by God (ordered). They are (or should be) ministers for God (even
if they never speak His name! Because of that, governments require the respect
Paul is describing.
OF COURSE! The question will arise, “what if my government is corrupt and evil?”
Well, that is precisely what the Roman government was and ended up a terrible adversary against
Christians. Several points: Re-read what Paul says about vengeance. What does
Paul tell the Christian to do when answering/responding to evil?
AND – What about when you belong to a country in which the GENERAL POPULATION
IS THE GOVERNMENT? As is the case in the U.S., what sort of responsibility does
that bring to the individual?
Additional:
1) Authority: G1849 - ἐξουσία exousia ex-oo-see'-ah
From G1832 (in the sense of ability);
privilege, that is, (subjectively) force, capacity, competency,
freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely magistrate, superhuman,
potentate, token of control), delegated influence: -
authority, jurisdiction, liberty, power, right, strength.
1) Ordained
(From God): G5021 τάσσω tassō tas'-so
A prolonged form of a primary verb (which
latter appears only in certain tenses); to arrange in an orderly manner,
that is, assign or dispose (to a certain position or lot): -
addict, appoint, determine, ordain, set.
2)
Resist- G498 ἀντιτάσσομαι antitassomai an-tee-tas'-som-ahee From G473 and the middle of G5021; to range oneself
against, that is, oppose: - oppose themselves, resist.
3, 4) Good: ἀγαθός agathos ag-ath-os' A primary word; “good” (in
any sense, often as noun): - benefit, good (-s, things), well. Compare G2570. (2570
meaning: beautiful)
3, 4) Evil G2556 κακός kakos kak-os'
Apparently a primary word; worthless
(intrinsically such; whereas G4190 properly refers to effects), that is,
(subjectively) depraved, or (objectively) injurious: - bad, evil,
harm, ill, noisome, wicked.
3) Servant
(minister) G1249 – διάκονος diakonos dee-ak'-on-os
Probably from διάκω diakō (obsolete, to run
on errands; compare G1377); an attendant, that is, (generally) a waiter
(at table or in other menial duties); specifically a Christian teacher
and pastor (technically a deacon or deaconess): - deacon,
minister, servant
