ROMANS 13:1

“Every person is to be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.”

I can think of no better passage in Scripture to address today’s verse than Mark 12:13-17. I know it’s a long passage but bear with me. “13 Then they *sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to Him in order to trap Him in a statement. 14 They came and *said to Him, ‘Teacher, we know that You are truthful and do not care what anyone thinks; for You are not partial to anyone, but You teach the way of God in truth. Is it permissible to pay a poll-tax to Caesar, or not? 15 Are we to pay, or not pay?’ But He, knowing their hypocrisy, said to them, ‘Why are you testing Me? Bring Me a denarius to look at.’ 16 And they brought one. And He *said to them, ‘Whose image and inscription is this?’ And they said to Him, ‘Caesar’s.’ 17 And Jesus said to them, ‘Pay to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’ And they were utterly amazed at Him.”

In Paul’s time all the ruling kingdoms were pagan kingdoms, so this was a great topic to address to first century Christians. It still applies to us today. All around us we are witnessing pure anarchy in the streets. It’s not just here in America. I hear stories from all over the world. People don’t like their government, so they revolt. As followers of Christ, we answer to a higher authority and therefore have to trust Him.

APPLICATION

Paul discusses this topic of submission to governing authorities in the first seven verses of chapter 13. Obviously, this was a question raised by more than one early follower of Christ. Were they to continue to obey Roman law? Paul basically says, “Yes.” Unless the governing authorities are telling you to do something illegal or immoral which goes against God’s law, you should obey them.

I can think of a time in the early days of the Christian movement when Peter and John faced such a question. They had been arrested by the Jewish leaders. Look what happened in Acts 4:18-20. “18 And when they had summoned them, they commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered and said to them, ‘Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, make your own judgment; 20 for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.’” 

Now, listen carefully. There may come a time in your life when you are faced with such a dilemma. Do I obey the authorities even though I know it is not God’s Will or do I follow God and accept the consequences that come? There are many in the world who face that question daily. Let’s covenant to pray for them to have strength in the face of adversity. Until we are faced with such a question, we are to be obedient to God by being obedient to those in authority over us.

Sometimes Lord, it’s hard to submit to those I disagree with, but help me be obedient to You by being obedient to them.

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