Romans 13:1
Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse emphasizes that all governing authorities exist by God's institution, not just by His permission. This means that the very structure of government itself is a divine plan, even if the individuals in power are imperfect or even wicked. The institution of authority is from God, a foundational principle for human society.
Paul shifts from Christian living within the church and in general relationships to address how believers should interact with governing authorities. This is especially relevant for Christians in Rome, a city under Roman rule, who might have felt tempted to resist or disregard the pagan government due to their new allegiance to Christ or their Jewish heritage, which often chafed under foreign rule. Paul emphasizes that all governing authorities are ultimately established by God, laying the foundation for why submission is required.
Ever wondered why we're told to obey the government, even when it's messy or imperfect? Paul gives us a powerful reason right at the start of Romans 13.
Paul's opening statement in Romans 13:1 is foundational: 'For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.' This isn't just a suggestion; it's a theological declaration.
Divine Source of Authority
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Paul doesn't leave room for exceptions. Who exactly is meant to be subject to governing authorities? The answer might surprise you.
Paul's command in Romans 13:1 begins with 'Let every person...' (or 'every soul'). This is a crucial detail that applies the principle of submission universally.
Universal Application
Understand the original words
hypotassesthai · Greek Verb
To yield, rank under, or be subordinate to another in a position of authority or status. It implies an attitude of cooperation and obedience within a structured order.
exousiais · Greek Noun
A legitimate right to exercise control, power, or influence. In a biblical context, all true authority is delegated by God to maintain order and justice in the created world.
tetagmenai · Greek Verb/Participle
To be placed, arranged, or ordained in a specific order or position. It signifies God’s sovereign orchestration of structures, offices, or roles.
Paul's instruction to submit to governing authorities was written during a time of significant political tension and instability within the Roman Empire, particularly concerning Roman rule over Judea and the volatile nature of Roman emperors like Nero.
c. 40 BC
Herod the Great Appointed King
Herod, a powerful Idumean, is appointed King of Judea by the Roman Senate, consolidating Roman influence and establishing a new dynasty. This sets the stage for Roman authority over Jewish governance.
c. AD 41-54
Reign of Claudius
Claudius's reign saw significant turmoil, including the expulsion of Jews from Rome (Acts 18:2). This period reflects the instability and Roman attempts to manage the diverse populations within the empire, impacting early Christian communities.
c. AD 54-68— this verse
Reign of Nero
Paul writes Romans during the early years of Nero's reign. This period was marked by relative peace initially but later descended into tyranny and persecution, making Paul's instructions on submission to authorities particularly relevant and challenging.
c. AD 64
Great Fire of Rome
Nero blames Christians for the Great Fire of Rome, leading to the first major imperial persecution. This event, occurring shortly after Paul's letter, would have drastically tested the principles of obedience he outlined.
c. AD 66-73
First Jewish-Roman War
The Jewish revolt against Roman rule culminates in the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple. This conflict highlights the deep-seated tensions between Jewish nationalism and Roman authority, a context that influenced early Christian identity and its relationship with the state.
Peter echoes Paul's instruction, emphasizing submission to governing authorities 'for the Lord's sake,' highlighting that honoring the king is a way to honor God and silence critics.
Matthew 22:21Jesus' famous 'Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's' directly addresses the tension between civil and divine allegiance, aligning with Paul's principle of respecting governing authorities while maintaining ultimate loyalty to God.
Acts 5:29Peter and the apostles famously declared, 'We must obey God rather than men,' providing a crucial qualifier to Romans 13:1, demonstrating that submission to authorities is always secondary to obedience to God when they conflict.
Daniel 2:21The book of Daniel shows God directly intervening in human affairs by setting up kings and removing them, reinforcing the idea that all earthly authority ultimately derives from God's sovereign plan and permission.
Titus 3:1Paul reiterates to Titus the importance of reminding believers to be 'subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient,' reinforcing the consistent teaching throughout the New Testament regarding respect for governing powers.
vincentRomans 13:1: "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."
Every soulEvery man. See on Romans 11:3.Higher powers (ἐξουσίαις ὑπερεχούσαις)Lit., authorities which have themselves over. See on Mark 2:10; see on John 1:12.The powers that be (αἱ δὲ οὖσαι)Lit., the existing. Powers is not in the text, and is supplied from the preceding clause.Are ordained (τεταγμέναι εἰσίν)Perfect tense: Have been ordained, and…
pulpitRomans 13:1: "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."
Verses 1-8. - From admonitions to keep peace, if possible, with all men, whether or not within the Christian circle, and to act honourably and benevolently towards all, the apostle now passes to the duty of Christians towards the civil government and the laws of the country in which they lived. It is well known that the Jews were impatient of the Roman domin…
The verse emphasizes that all governing authorities exist by God's institution, not just by His permission. This means that the very structure of government itself is a divine plan, even if the individuals in power are imperfect or even wicked. The institution of authority is from God, a foundational principle for human society.
Paul shifts from Christian living within the church and in general relationships to address how believers should interact with governing authorities. This is especially relevant for Christians in Rome, a city under Roman rule, who might have felt tempted to resist or disregard the pagan government due to their new allegiance to Christ or their Jewish heritage, which often chafed under foreign rule. Paul emphasizes that all governing authorities are ultimately established by God, laying the foundation for why submission is required.
Paul shifts from Christian living within the church and in general relationships to address how believers should interact with governing authorities. This is especially relevant for Christians in Rome, a city under Roman rule, who might have felt tempted to resist or disregard the pagan government due to their new allegiance to Christ or their Jewish heritage, which often chafed under foreign rule. Paul emphasizes that all governing authorities are ultimately established by God, laying the foundation for why submission is required.
"Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God." — The verse emphasizes that all governing authorities exist by God's institution, not just by His permission. This means that the very structure of government itself is a divine plan, even if the ind…
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