Romans: Who are Our Higher Powers?

We are still looking at the second division of the Romans epistle this month (specifically Chapter 13) where Paul encourages the behavior and duties of believers by arguments dependent on the doctrines of the gospel. These doctrines, as well as the commandments of God, may be summed up in one word, namely, LOVE. Some of these arguments are practical in nature while others speak directly to the spirit and heart of the readers to influence their perspectives and behaviors.

As we read, remember that Paul is writing during a time of persecution and is providing a background for general behavior during such times. Note the emphasis of good versus evil in the discussion.

Romans 13:1-7:

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. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 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: 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. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.

Paul is still providing good Christian behavioral advice. We are to be a witness with our lives and that includes the way that we respond to authorities. At the highest levels, we can say that our authority structures include God, the family, the church, the workplace, and governments. They are further broken down into God (of course), dad, mom, elders, teachers, bosses and managers, federal, state, and local.

Verse 1 Notes: “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is not power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.”

Power: Strong’s G1849: exousia: authorities, jurisdictions, right (to rule); strength.

Higher: Strong’s G5242: huperecho: higher, excel, supreme, to hold oneself above, superiority.

Ordained: Strong’s G5021: tasso: appointed, determined, set, ordained, to arrange in an orderly manner.

The Lord God established a number of divine institutions. These include marriage, the family, governments, and churches.

Man has added to that list by either creating new authorities or subdividing existing ones. For example, neighborhood covenants, contract agreements, treaties, etc.

Government powers, at least in the U.S., are federal, state, county, and city. These are often subdivided into legislative, executive, and courts. Those are also often subdivided into jurisdictional areas like the FBI, ATF, HLS, etc. Indeed, between federal agencies, office under those agencies, and then committees and sub-offices, there are literally hundreds of authority structures within the Federal Government. The court system has different courts that handle different cases and are often set in hierarchies like the district, appeals, and supreme court.

Additionally, there are often disagreements and squabbles between the different groups. An AG sues a federal agency because of some perceived erroneous legal code of ruling. Agencies often try to expand their authority beyond their charter, and there are all kinds of other problems because government is run by flawed, sinful people.

What can we know regarding which higher power we are to obey or which group has authority over what?

I list the generalized powers as follows: God is the highest, and all others next within their jurisdiction.

Our constitution supposedly gave specific authorities to the federal level and left all others to the states. What order do we place them when they are in clear conflict? Additionally, when do local laws trump state laws? When do I stand my ground for my family’s welfare versus dictates by, say, a school system?

I think we can easily see the confusion sinful mankind has made of the whole process!

What do we do when the governor’s office, the legislature, and the courts all say something different, and worse, we don’t agree with any of them?

Some Guiding Principles:

I would like to suggest some general principles are required:

1. Discern the jurisdictional areas: Render to Caeser the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.

2. Assess your conscience: Discern what is good versus what is evil in terms of our response and in terms of the request. Romans 13:5: “Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.”

3. Pray for the authority making demands: 1 Timothy 2:1-4: “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.”

4. Separate clear Scripture violation from other edicts (this section of Romans): Traffic laws may seem burdensome, but do not violate God’s Word. Abortion is an example where we cannot cross the line.

5. Learn how to do an appeal: Daniel 1:8: “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.”

6. Be ready with a reasoned response: 1 Peter 3:15: “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:”

7. If required, be willing to suffer the consequences: 1 Peter 3:15: “For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.” Daniel 3:16-18: “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.”

Verse 2 Notes: “Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.”

Resist: Strong’s G498: antitassomai: to oppose, to range oneself against, resist.

Damnation: Strong’s G2917: krima: a judgment, a decison, a sentence, a determination (usually regarding the violation of a crime).

This concept of resistance includes all manner of behavior: riots, strikes, marches, speaking out, editorials, etc. These can be grouped into acceptable and unacceptable resistance. Be aware that resistance, even “good” resistance, may end up being punished.

Verse 3 Notes: “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:”

I admit I struggle with this statement. Evil requests are being made, and to resist those requests may not bring praise, but attacks and judgement. We can’t control every demand made of us, but we can control our response.

Verse 4 Notes: “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.”

Clearly Paul is distinguishing between our behaviors, evil versus good. If we behave “evilly”, expect to be judged. Authorities have the responsibility to punish evil doers. What if they don’t? In the U.S., we have a means to replace them peacefully and get good men and women into their place.

Verse 5 Notes: “Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.”

Again, Paul is pointing out an even higher reason to be good: Yes, fear the wrath of authorities when we sin/do evil. But also do what is right/good because God is speaking to your conscience and that is an even better reason.

Verse 6-7 Notes: “For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.”

Tribute: Strong’s G5411: phoros: a load, a tax, a burden assessed against property (as opposed to a toll). Pay your taxes, even if they are burdensome. However, unfair fines (a toll) can be appealed and is often overturned.

Custom: Strong’s G5056: telos: a custom or toll, could be a fine levied against you.

Honor: Strong’s G5092: time: value, esteem, dignity. Honoring the office a person holds, regardless of whom the person is.

Because we are not in a dictatorship and have counter balancing authorities, we have the responsibility to reign in out-of-control authorities, but only using the prescribed methods the law allows.

Closing Thoughts:

Remember when God said that vengeance is His – He will repay? Can we trust that He will do so when and if we find ourselves facing unlawful/unethical, or immoral demands? Check these verses out:

Isaiah 5:20-23: “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink: Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the rightous from him!”

Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Even in times of adversity . . . .

May God Bless you!

Maranatha!

Bro. Joe

References

Strong, J. Strong's Hebrew and Greek Dictionaries. Meyers, R. (2005). e-Sword. [computer software] . Franklin, TN: Equipping Ministries Foundation. (Original work published 1890)

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