Romans 13:1-7 – Christian and civil authority

In Romans 13:1-7, Paul calls on Christians to relate rightly with the civil authority. In this regard, we need to keep several things in mind. Firstly, the political situation particularly in Rome was explosive. There was the anti-Romans sentiment that existed. Paul was afraid that some of the revolutionary attitudes of the zealots from Jerusalem might influence the church. So he felt he had to write to instruct them on how they ought to relate with the civil government of the day. Secondly we must always hold a fine balance in what Jesus said in Matthew 22:21 concerning government and the church. We are to render to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.  

The first thing in relating to civil authority, Paul said, is to submit to them in all things. Why? It’s because God is the source of all authorities. It is God Who has granted all human government the authority to function. Therefore, when believers obey the civil authorities, they are in fact being obedient to God.

Apart from telling us that God is the source of all civil authorities, Paul went on to describe the role of civil authority. He tells us that all civil authorities are God’s instruments to ensure peace and order in the society and nation. They will punish evildoers and reward those who do what is good. Hence, so long as believers do not commit evil, they have no reason to fear the government.

In verse 5, Paul tells us that the motivation should not only be out of fear for punishment, but also out of a conscience before God. In verses 6 and 7, the apostle quickly moved to exhort believers to pay their taxes as dutiful citizens of the nation.

The divine call to each one of us is to “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s” (Matthew 22:21). And this we must do as good citizens of heaven living here on earth. We must make it a appoint to pray for our government. Bear in mind what 1 Timothy 2:1-2 say, “First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions with thanksgiving be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all those in authority, so that we may lead tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.” Have we diligently prayed for our government?  Don’t neglect that!