Authority

"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. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so bring judgment on themselves." Rom. 13:1-2

Romans 13:1–2 is one of those passages that makes people uneasy. It tends to surface whenever questions about government, obedience, or resistance come up. Some quote it as if it settles every argument. Others avoid it altogether because it feels too absolute, too dangerous if misunderstood.

Paul, however, did not write these words as a slogan. He wrote them into a real situation, to real people, with a very specific purpose. These words were penned when Nero, who mercilessly tortured and killed Christians, was in power in Rome. Not content to merely murder Christ's followers, he covered them in the hides of wild beasts and let wild dogs loose on them. They were set on fire to serve as illumination for his parties or nailed to crosses. Yet it was into this time of horrific fear that God spoke words of submission to His followers. Why?

Paul begins plainly: “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities.” What does “be subject” mean? Paul does not use a word here that means blind obedience or unquestioning loyalty. The idea is ordered submission, recognizing structure and authority rather than living as though no authority exists at all. He is addressing posture before policy. He is speaking about how believers relate to authority, not about endorsing every decision made by those in power.

Paul then gives his reason: “For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” Scripture tells us that no one has any authority of his own. ALL authority belongs to God. What do these words mean, though? That God is supreme over everything in the world is certainly true, but this is not the fullness of the idea. In addition to His supremacy, God having all authority means that no one else innately has any. To understand this concept, we can think of authority in concrete terms, like, say, marbles. There are a finite number; no more can be created; and the ones that exist can be counted and can fill up a jar. All of them belong to Andrew, and neither Meredith nor Conner have any of their own. They only way the latter two can have any marbles is if Andrew gives them some of his. Andrew gets to determine how many they get and how long they can use them. At his discretion, he can demand them all back and give them to someone else. Likewise, God possesses all the authority that exists in the world. If any leader has authority, it is only because God apportions some of His own to certain people, in certain measure, for a certain time.

What the verse is not is a statement about the moral quality of rulers. This distinction matters. Paul does not say every ruler is godly, wise, or just. Scripture itself gives us Pharaohs, Nebuchadnezzars, Herods, and Caesars as clear evidence to the contrary. What Paul is saying is that God remains sovereign even over flawed authorities. Their existence does not threaten God’s rule, nor does their misuse of power catch Him off guard.

This passage must also be read alongside the rest of Scripture. The same Bible that tells believers to submit to governing authorities also shows believers refusing to obey commands that directly contradict God’s word. The apostles themselves later say, “We must obey God rather than men.” Romans 13 is not a contradiction to that truth. It addresses normal civic life, not moments where obedience to God and obedience to man collide.

I also need to pause here and insert this: Rarely in modern American culture do we encounter leaders who demand we do something contrary to Scripture. In fact, no example comes to mind at all. While we certainly have ungodly leaders who allow ungodly behavior, they are not forcing Christians to engage in it. The latter is the situation in which Paul found himself, and Christians would certainly be justified in rebelling against decrees that force us to disobey God's statutes. Simply rebelling against a figure because we disagree with his or her position is not what this passage is about.

At its heart, Romans 13:1–2 calls believers to humility. It reminds us that God works through order, even imperfect order, and that our default posture should not be defiance or suspicion, much less hatred. Submission here is not worship or agreement. It is trust that our all-powerful God remains in control even when authority is misused.

Reflection Questions

• Do I tend to react to authority emotionally, or thoughtfully?

• Have I confused Christian freedom with the right to reject restraint?

• In what ways can I show submission without compromising obedience to God?

  
  

A Prayer

Lord, you are the true and highest Authority. Teach us to trust Your sovereignty even when human authority is flawed. Give us wisdom to know when to submit, courage to obey You above all, and humility to live peaceably as your people in the world. Amen.

TRUTH FOR TODAY

“For the Lord is our judge; the Lord is our lawgiver; the Lord is our king; he will save us.”Isaiah 33:22