Word In Life Study Bible
THE LIMITS OF POLITICAL AUTHORITY
Rom.13:1-7
However, Rome’s authority—and all authority—was merely delegated authority. Ultimate authority belongs to God, as Paul pointed out. But that raises a tough question for believers, then as now: If governments are subordinate to God and accountable to Him for what they do, then aren’t there limits on the extent to which believers must submit to them? Aren’t there times when Christians need to obey God rather than human officials? If so, shouldn’t the church pay attention to whether any particular civil government is usurping God’s power and undermining His purposes rather than carrying out its intended function?
The early church had to wrestle with these issues. Rome’s government was far more tolerant of Christians when Paul likely wrote Rom. 13 than in the 90s, when John penned Revelation. Within that span of some 30 years, believers changed their view of Rome from God’s “minister for good” (13:4) to a usurper of power that deserved to fall. In fact, the Book of Revelation is seen at one level as the story of Rome’s fall.
Throughout church history, believers have struggled with whether to obey or resist evil governments. There are no easy answers. But one principle that Paul clearly affirms here is that government itself is intrinsically good, having been established by God.
Study notes from the Word In Life Study Bible, copyright 1993,1996, by Thomas Nelson, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission. The study notes from the Word In Life Study Bible appearing at this web site are for personal use only.
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