29 But Peter and the apostles answered and said, "We must obey God rather than men. He vehemently opposed the Nazification of all Protestant churches and was a sharp critic of Nazi policies. There was no Jewish theocracy, as in the Old Testament. Paul is saying if we resist the government, we resist God. Yahuwah has given no man, no power in heaven or earth, the authority to negate His law. But civil disobedience, whatever the intentions of the participants, will bring down upon them the wrath of the state, and may well thwart movements toward the same objectives that are being done legally, if covertly. In contrast, it teaches that all who love truth and holiness have both a duty and an obligation to resist wrong. Click here to understand the purpose of the animal sacrifices which will be re-instated during the Millennium, and how this divine plan does not conflict with the atonement provided by Christ's death. After dealing with those matters, the inspired writer focuses on the need to have a right relationship to the human governments under which we live (Romans 13:1-7). When the true meaning of Romans 13:1-7 is revealed, we understand Paul was writing, “To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints.” (Romans 1:7) He was not writing to the general population of Rome. 1, 2. Daniel knew this. It means to oppose (place opposite or against), to resist by actively opposing pressure or power, to withstand (oppose with firm determination) and involves not only a psychological attitude but also a corresponding behavior. Or: Shall we be Christ's people with a pinch of American flavoring? In any event, God is the one Who is in total control for even the (created) demons must abide by the Creator's directions. (1Samuel 2:8). However, this does not mean that they are servants of the Most High and should be obeyed as such. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. He should, I believe, examine the cause for which his nation fights, and if he concludes that it is evil and unjust he should refuse to participate. Compromising ministers will urge their members to submit to this law that breaks the law of Yahuwah. For there is no liberty but of Yahuwah: the liberties that be are ordained of Yahuwah. (See Phil 2:13NLT-note). When they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, saying, “What shall we do to these men? These things are only the instruments by which He works His will; and the revelation of Scripture is that God puts in power the men of his choosing, whether they be good or evil, whether they are beneficent rulers or tyrants like Hitler or Stalin or Mao or any of the others on earth by the permissive choice of God. Romans 13 is a very hard passage to wrap one's brain around. Diatage is that which has been ordered or commanded, and so it represents an ordinance, disposition or direction. It can describe a judicial sentence from the magistrate or a decision (severe or mild) one passes on faults of others. Denney says that "every soul" "is a Hebraism; cf. But it is nonetheless clear that these verses, supported and amplified by other portions of the Word, and contradicted by none, teach the legitimacy of human government. So there are times when a believer must, by obeying God, incur the wrath of man. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of Yahuwah: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. In Romans 13, Paul summarizes the law: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Sessions ignores this part of the epistle, perhaps because it is antithetical to his point. First, since God puts every human authority in place to serve His purposes, Christians must submit to them; this idea comes with a particular context. We must also understand the seriousness with which God takes rebellion to governing authorities as illustrated by Korah's refusal to subject himself to Moses' authority (Nu 16:3,13, 30, 32-35, 41,49). When the word “liberty” is inserted into the passage, a different meaning comes through: “Let every soul be subject unto the higher liberty. Martin Niemöller understood this extremely important principle of righteousness. He was a committed Christian pastor living under the atheistic regime of Nazi Germany. Paul says, human government is ordained by God for the benefit of society. If the Christian is not to seek personal vengeance, it does not take away the government’s authority to punish wrongdoers. and he goes, and to another, 'Come!' But here one class of magistrates is not brought into comparison with another, but they are spoken of as being over other men who are not in office. As a Christian do I vote or can I get involved in politics. “O king, live forever! He has found the perfect solution through a misinterpretation and mistranslation of Romans 13:1-7: Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. As Robert Parham’s recent editorial, “Romans 13 Is Weak Proof-Text for Anti-Immigration Church Members,” illustrates, Romans 13 is often the go-to proof-text for urging compliance with and allegiance to government authority. Antitassomai was a military term found in the papyri and pictured an army arrayed against the enemy forces. 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Romans 13:1-2. do … Scripture does not teach blind obedience to earthly powers. When Luke has Jesus define a “neighbor” (Luke 10:25-37), the neighbor is the foreigner. Obedience is not enjoined on the ground of the personal merit of those in authority, but on the ground of their official station. Every (3956) (pas) means "all" without exception. Furthermore, God sometimes may, for His own purposes, place even wicked men in positions of power (e.g., Nebuchadnezzar—note Jeremiah 27:5-7; Daniel 4:17). A misunderstanding of Romans 13 will lead Yah’s professed people to comply with man-made laws. It was the consistent and official teaching of the Christian Church that obedience must be given to, and prayers made for, the civil power, even when the wielder of that civil power was a Nero. Paul set an example for all believers by submitting to the laws of the Roman Empire, which in any event was a matter of moral obligation since he was a Roman citizen. God says, “By me kings reign.” He takes responsibility for raising up one leader and pulling down another. While the official worship of the emperor was incompatible with acknowledging Jesus as Lord, the king was to be given the honor due to his position as an authority figure under the hand of God (1 Peter 2:17 ). (Romans 13 - Greek Testament Critical Exegetical Commentary). First, I’ll give a brief overview of Paul’s flow of thought and then we’ll explore four principles stemming from the text. It, in all matters lawful, we are bound to obey. I realize that by the same logic it could be argued that killing an abortionist saves hundreds of babies. A new teaching with authority! Thus, exousia means delegated authority or the power of authority and of the right of that authority. The only earthly laws to be obeyed are those that do not contradict the divine law. They wrested, no doubt, the doctrine of Christian liberty, as they did other doctrines, to suit their own inclinations. 13 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The perfect tense conveys the idea of a fixed and determined opposition to authority, not just one slip up. Throughout time, millions more have given their lives for resisting unrighteous authority and staying loyal to Yahuwah. While the ideal state was theocratic, it could not be realized until the kingdom of God was consummated. After Peter had healed a lame man, the priests had him and John arrested. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of Yahuwah, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Our God Reigns!) Dan 2:21-note “And it is He who changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings and establishes kings; He gives wisdom to wise men, and knowledge to men of understanding. they could not hear the law and the words which the LORD of hosts had sent by His Spirit through the former prophets; therefore great wrath came from the LORD of hosts. It is a solemn duty to stand for truth. When a law was passed regulating worship, Daniel calmly went about his business without altering his normal practices in any way. It is easy to see why when Romans 13 is studied. 27:6). So although heaven is our home, Spirit filled (controlled) believers must be subject to authorities.. Why? Condemnation (2917) (krima [word study] from kríno = to judge and the suffix –ma indicates the result of judging) denotes the result of the action signified by verb krino which means to judge. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. Submission (Webster's 1828 writes that submission means "yield, resign or surrender to the power, will or authority of another") is an act of faith. In Context Parallel Compare. Romans 13:2 Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. and he comes, and to my slave, 'Do this!' He also calls it “an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil.” These expressions do not refer to God’s eternal wrath, but to His temporal wrath inflicted by the government on evildoers so that it can uphold law and order. The Believer's Civil Duty: The True Meaning of Romans 13, New Moon Day: Why the Dawn After Conjunction. After all, there is a danger in submitting to authority -- they might take advantage of us! For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Mt 5:39; Lk 21:15; Acts 6:10; 13:8; Ro 9:19-note; Ro 13:2; Gal 2:11; Eph 6:13-note; 2Ti 3:8-note; 2Ti 4:15-note; Jas 4:7-note; 1Pet 5:9-note, There is a right time and a wrong time for opposing…. Or live with people who treat us cruelly. The former chapter is called by some St. Paul’s ethics, and this his politics. Second, we must love our neighbors as ourselves. Subject to the governing authorities: The connection between Romans 12 and Romans 13is clear. Thus, Paul writes to make sure that these Christians understand their relations and obligations to government. There is but one limitation to the believer’s obligation under the Lord to willing and complete submission to civil authority: namely, any law or command that would require disobedience to God’s Word (eg., see Ex 1:17-20, Acts 4:18-20; 5:29). This helps us to understand God's sovereignty and history as well. When a vain king erected a golden image on the plain of Dura and commanded all to bow down and worship it, the three worthies risked their lives to remain faithful to Yahuwah. The KJV is a bit strong in its translation of krima as "damnation". This persecution was general throughout the whole Roman Empire. In reading Romans 13 it is important to keep the historical context in mind. While I would agree that it is wrong to murder an abortionist, which would be overcoming evil by evil (Ro 12:21), I must admit that if I had lived in Nazi Germany and had had an opportunity to take out Hitler, it would have been very tempting. According to Jewish traditions in the first century, the law of Moses was mediated through angels… The Greek word phulasso (traditionally translated "keep") in this context connotes preservation of and devotion to an object as well as obedience. (Wuest, K. S. Wuest's Word Studies from the Greek New Testament: Eerdmans). (Hughes, R. K. Romans: Righteousness from heaven. If the government banned the Bible, we should own and distribute Bibles anyway. Note that Romans 13:4 supports the concept of using “the sword” by government when necessary. Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which Yahuwah has established. Also, Christians easily could have taken Jesus’ teaching about the coming kingdom of God to mean that they should work for the overthrow of the secular, morally corrupt government in order to help bring in Christ’s kingdom. Christians included for in fact they ought to be the best citizens of all! Such interpretations, however, actually contradict Scripture. It is that which has been specifically ordered or commanded and was the customary term for an official decree e.g. 1 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. Besides the effect of their previous opinions and feelings, there is something in the character of Christianity itself, and in the incidental results of the excitement which it occasions, to account for the repugnance of many of the early Christians to submit to their civil rulers. “Let every soul put himself habitually in subjection to authorities” (Wuest). FOR THERE IS NO AUTHORITY EXCEPT FROM GOD: ou gar estin (3SPAI) exousia ei me hupo theou: For - Always pause and ponder this strategic term of explanation. Richard Halverson the former chaplain of the United States Senate wrote that "To be sure, men will abuse and misuse the institution of the State just as man because of sin has abused and misused every other institution in history including the Church of Jesus Christ, but this does not mean that the institution is bad or that it should be forsaken. Thus (Ro 13:5) there are two reasons to be in subjection to the government: Fear of punishment and conscience before God, who has ordained the government. In such cases he must be prepared to pay the penalty without undue complaint. For there is no power—"no authority" but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God—"have been ordained of God." Related Content: As a Christian do I vote or can I get involved in politics? My Elah1 sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths, so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent before Him; and also, O king, I have done no wrong before you.” (Daniel 6:21, 22). God did that! It probably reflects the famous word of Jesus: “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s” (Matt 22:21). (Hughes, R. K. Romans: Righteousness from heaven. But recall the evil government headed by Pilate that unjustly crucified our Lord (Jn 19:11). Believers have long stood as a bulwark against the encroachments of evil. Do You not know that I have authority to release You, and I have authority to crucify You?’ Jesus answered, ‘You would have no authority over Me, unless it had been given you from above; for this reason he who delivered Me to you has the greater sin.’”. This definition focuses the attention on God, not on the person over you. (Acts 5:29), The disciples’ inspired answer establishes the principle all should follow when faced with human laws that stand opposition to the divine law: “But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of Eloah to listen to you more than to Yahuwah, you judge. 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