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.
The previous verses introduced the mind of peace and love which guides the heart of a Christ-seeker: Recompense to no man evil for evil (Rom 12:17), live peaceably with all men (Rom 12:18), avenge not yourselves (Rom 12:19), be not overcome of evil (Rom 12:21). It is fitting to now read that the Christian should seek to live peacefully in the nation wherein he happens to dwell. The same mandate is repeated in Titus 3:1-3 and 1Peter 2:12-15. In the previous chapter, the Apostle called for the people of Christ to separate themselves from the World and live holy lives for the cause of the Kingdom (see note on Rom 12:2). Nevertheless, they must still live in the midst of Satan’s dangerous kingdoms of this world.
The doctrine of the Two Kingdoms and its corollary, the doctrine of Separation and Nonconformity, lay out deep differences between Protestants and Anabaptists, who believe that to enter Christ’s Kingdom is to exit any earthly citizenship. We are now part of a peculiar nation (1Pet 2:9) and pass through life as strangers in a foreign country (Heb 11:13-16; 1Pet 1:1; Eph 2:9); ambassadors in an alien land (2Cor 5:20). Our life and loyalty is pledged totally to Christ, who said: Whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be My disciple (Luke 14:33). We have been translated from an earthly kingdom into a Kingdom that is not of this world (Col 1:13; John 18:36). Our citizenship is in heaven (Php 3:20). No man can serve two masters; he must choose one to serve and obey (Mat 6:24). When Paul chose Christ, he renounced all else (Php 3:7-11) to obey God rather than man (Acts 5:29).
This fact is thoroughly taught in the New Testament, but it is such a monumental change from the Old Covenant economy that the Holy Spirit moved the Apostle to clarify it more fully. For in truth, the Christian could quite easily misunderstand or misapply those statements of Scripture. Earthly governments are heavily under Satan’s sway and have always harshly treated the true churches of Christ. Christians have been constantly accused of disobedience and have suffered much for “refusing to obey the rules of the Land.” All this in spite of the fact that they pose absolutely no threat to the State or the Public, for they have rejected taking up the sword as being outside of the perfection of Christ. What is the correct response of God’s people to this problem? These verses answer that question.
It is of paramount importance to synthesize the full teaching of the Word of God on this subject as opposed to a lawyer-like reading of this passage only. The Apostle’s purpose is not to encourage kingdom saints to be model citizens, but to better present the way of Christ to others. Early Christian Jews would have particularly struggled with this Kingdom principle, for the Jewish nation glorified rebellion, riot and insurrection – they despised Rome and Caesar. Had not God given to them the land of Canaan? Had He not chosen them out of all the nations of the world (Ex 19:6)? We be Abraham’s seed, and were never in bondage to any man (John 8:33).
Even the Eleven thought that Christ was about to restore again the kingdom to Israel (Acts 1:6). So the teaching of these verses was no small matter for those Christians from among the Jews. The Gentile Christians were also affected, for the Romans tended to group Christians with the Jews, erroneously thinking they were a sect of the Judaic religion (Acts 24:5). Paul offers an equally valid argument for peaceful subjection to both groups: the powers that be are ordained by God (v1).
Given the Roman government’s brutal treatment of Christians at the time of this writing, the doctrine of these verses is remarkable. Jewish and Roman authorities persecuted Christianity from its very beginning and that pattern has followed the churches of Christ wherever they have spouted. It is natural that Christians question if they should ever obey the heathen rulers who have no care for Christ or His Kingdom. And so it is even today, when the hearts of true Christians are grieved to see the governments of the world legislating terrible wickedness and aiding the spread of criminality and ungodliness. Submit to unjust magistrates and rulers of iniquity? How can it be? Only by turning again to those principles of Christian behavior the Apostle has laid out in the previous chapter – to live peaceably, honestly and humbly during the time of our earthly pilgrimage.
There is no power (exousia – authority) but of God. Under the Old Covenant, the nation of Israel was a single civil and religious kingdom of God’s making, but now He has separated those two realms. The present Kingdom of Christ is strictly a spiritual kingdom which transcends all political boundaries and country borders such that Christians in every nation under heaven are brothers and citizens together (Luke 17:21). And that is why we should pray… for kings and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty (1Tim 2:1-2). We do not pray that God would bless the State in its pursuits, but that governmental actions and decisions would aid peaceful growth of the Kingdom of Christ. The calm, reasonable, sober, peaceable, forgiving demeanor of God’s people is a testimony of great worth. Study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; that ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing (1Thes 4:11-12).
The Israelite Covenant had God-given civil laws that were administrated by His own people, but what is the godly man’s civil responsibilities outside of that Covenant? That is the subject at hand and it is not a simple one. Did God really want His people to obey the heathen Roman government? To the extent that their commands do not conflict with Christ’s teaching, the answer is yes. And that is actually entirely consistent with the deeper tenants of Christianity. For consider the two alternatives: 1) that the Christian should NOT be subject to earthly authorities, 2) that the Christian should be ENTIRELY subject to his country’s government. The first idea would contradict the very fruits of the Spirit in Christian behavior, and the second would undo our pledge of allegiance to Christ as our only Lord and Savior.
Many Christian groups today err on the side of being overly supportive of the governments of their particular country. They get involved in politics, protests and voting. Some will even take up arms to defend their flag. How shocking the thought of Christians in two opposing earthly nations praying to God to help them kill their enemies! In more subtle ways and on simpler topics, some Anabaptists tend to defend the rationale and laws of the government of their land. Be careful! Earthly rulers and governments have always arrayed themselves against the true churches of Christ. These are the very beasts that the Revelation warned us about. Do not join with them.
These two pillars of truth should guide our way: 1) the Christian is fully submitted to the rule of Christ, so he cannot pledge allegiance to any earthly nation or political cause; 2) the Christian is an honest, just, peaceable doer of good. Jesus said, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves (Mat 10:16). My comments in the next few verses intend to follow that middle path.
2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
In the time of Paul, the ruling class in Rome was marked by political battles, subterfuge and assassination. The Caesars were cruel, lawless tyrants that held onto power by any means possible. Virtually all of them were overthrown by rebellions and rival plots. On the other hand, the Roman law and judicial system with its famous Twelve Tables is noted even today for mediating peace, punishing evildoers and protecting rights. The magistrates were held responsible for their decisions and corruptions of justice, although always a problem, was not allowed. It was this latter structure that the Apostle calls us to respect and honor, not the personage of the king or president of the realm. This is more clearly indicated in the meaning of the Greek word translated, ordinance (diatage – arrangement, structure), which is not the one typically used in the Scriptures. It appropriately defines the idea of an authority system or structural arrangement of Law and Order, which is the whole proper purpose of human government. Of course, to honor the position of the king fits well into this picture.
Earthly kingdoms rise and fall according to God’s will and pleasure, but that doesn’t mean He approves of their methods. Violence, evil workings and graft have always been standard fare in all governments of the world. However, God has ordained Government to keep the peace, protect the innocent and punish the evildoer. The absence of government is anarchy, where every man does what he deems to be right and there is no recourse to justice, nor is there any organization that sets into law what is criminal, and no authority to require personal accountability.
The one who resists the government, whether fighting for a particular political cause or simply disobeying the rules of the Land, makes himself liable to arrest, judgment and punishment by the civil authorities. He should expect to receive damnation (krima, judgment). This is not a reference to Hell, but to judgment and punishment as decided by the magistrate (see word usage in Mat 7:2; Rom 11:3, etc). Do not expect God to protect you from ill-advised actions, for rulers are there to execute this terror (v3).
Of course, as citizens of a different Kingdom, at times we do resist our civil authorities, for we must obey God rather than man. We should refuse to follow any laws that dishonor our true Ruler. Expect to receive judgment and punishment then too. Daniel refused to obey the king’s command to not pray to God. On the other hand, being unbound to earthly allegiance does not authorize acts of political activism and ungodly civil disobedience. It is not our place to work with or against governments, but to conduct ourselves separately and wisely according to our first allegiance.
3 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: 4 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.
God ordained civil governments to keep order and justice in the land. They are a terror to evildoers, but a minister of God for those that are good. The righteous man should have no reason to fear the government and the government should find the Christian to be a peaceful, law-abiding citizen (1Tim 1:9). As such, these verses are pure gold in the arguments concerning the roles of Church and State, for they remind both of their rightful responsibilities. Christians should keep the laws of the land as long as they do not conflict with his higher call to follow the Way of Truth; and the State should serve as avenger and protector of its people. The principles of Christianity were fitted by God to generally apply under many forms of human government and history has demonstrated the Gospel to be extremely effective even in brazen, atheistic governments. Christians should never be grouped with rebels – those presumptuous, selfwilled rioters and haters of authority (2Pet 2:10).
Unfortunately, the governments of the world have never operated according to their God-given mandate and have become promoters of Evil instead of being protectors of Good. This fact was predicted in the Revelation, where the Beast that rose up out of the sea is a symbol of World Governments and their age-long antagonism against the people of God. Many examples could be given of earthly rulers actually being a terror to those who do good works instead of evildoers. The early church was beaten down by the Romans and 16th century Anabaptists lived in fear of their God-ordained “ministers for good.” Civil authorities are famous for improperly executing wrath on the righteous.
Today, satanic pressures continue to instigate governments to ignore their God-given mandate and seek to become the putative gods of their society. It is no wonder then, to see terrible criminal behavior castigated with mild sentences or dropped completely on a technicality. Meanwhile, the good Christian is jailed and fined for just speaking out against homosexuality, or for helping a woman escape a wicked environment with her own child. It should be abundantly clear that the governments of the world are operating outside of their rightful sphere of authority. All metrics predict things will get much worse, for the simple Christian way of life has become the target of governmental attack. Christian companies may not deny service to homosexuals. There are “hate laws” that forbid preaching against wicked practices like gender changes and gay marriage. Governors have mandated no-congregation laws for churches citing the covid pandemic.
These examples justify the actions of Anabaptists who have refused to pledge allegiance to the nation of their earthly sojourn. We are citizens only in the legal sense of being born in an certain country. “While living in this world we do not really use what the world offers, for the fashion of this world passeth away” (1Cor 7:31). In step with Paul and John, fellow apostle Peter warned that the governments of the world would accuse Christians as evildoers (1Pet 2:12). Nevertheless, he said, we should submit to the king’s ordinance (1Pet 2:13-14) so that our otherwise good behavior might prove their charges to be false (1Pet 2:15-18). Then we shalt have praise of the same (v3). Meaning that the Christian’s good, quiet behavior should earn the government’s respect. And even if does not, we must continue to do as God has desired us. As much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men (Rom 12:18).
A revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. This seems taken directly from the civil laws of the Old Testament, which upheld justice even to capital punishment. A sword is used to kill. Any earthly government does well to base their justice system upon the God-ordained Law of the Old Testament.
The present Kingdom of Christ has no authorization to conduct legislative and judiciary affairs of civil government. Nor should her saints be involved in such matters or positions, for the conflict of interest (or unequal yoking) is simply too sharp (2Tim 2:1-4). This I saw in full clarity during the Covid-scare months of 2020-21, when church-going men that were employed by the government were forced to choose between following the rules of their earthly superiors or the Way of Truth. Many failed that simple test, having been overcome by the darkness within which they had been working (2Cor 6:14).
5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
The Christian should be subject to the government for two reasons: first, to avoid their punishments (v2) and second, because a Christian is not an evildoer (v3). In other words, “Be subject to the laws of the land, not just for fear of punishment but to follow a good conscience of rejecting evil works.” As Peter writes, Let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer…yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed (1Pet 4:14-16). If the government oppresses you as a Christian living according to your good conscience, be not ashamed – you are not at fault, but the government that is acting illegitimately. The valid authorities are the minister of God ordained to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Of course we obey them in that.
Again, governments often make laws for the opposite purpose – to persecute good instead of punishing evil. But Jesus knew this would happen: Take heed to yourselves, for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for My sake (Mark 13:9; Mat 10:23; Luke 21:12). Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake (Luke 6:22; Mat 5:11; John 15:20). If ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled (1Pet 3:14).
These verses give courage to the Christian to reject those illegitimate governmental laws that, contrary to upholding justice, repress godly living and outlaw the rules of Christ. Those we do not obey, and for conscience sake, being contrary to sound doctrine (1Tim 1:10). For conscience sake means we obey the whole rule of Christ (1Tim 1:5), including that we must needs be subject to the rules of the authorities in all points that do not stifle the truth and life of the Gospel. The rule is not to follow first the laws of the State and then the Scripture, but vice versa. The Kingdom of Christ is our true allegiance and citizenship. It deserves full honor. If the life-rule of the Christian is more intent upon not offending the World than upon living in accord with his real Kingdom authority, then something is out of balance.
Beware that the Devil is very astute in these matters. In the last few centuries, his tactics have changed from overt to covert. Before he came as a lion, killing and torturing any who did not bow to his rule, but now he comes softly, deceiving and persuading by great swelling words of vanity (2Pet 2:18) and by arguments of science falsely so called (1Tim 6:20). The Revelation describes how, in the time of Satan’s little season at the end of the world, he will deceive the governments of the world into doing his wicked bidding and with one mind they will work to subvert the Word of Truth and impair the power of the Spirit (see my notes in Rev 19-20). The churches of Christ will wane and their testimony will be ineffective before the onslaught of this great deception (Rev 11:8-10). When these things begin to pass, lift up your heads, for the time of redemption is at hand (Luke 21:28).
Should we obey or disobey the governor’s mandate forbidding families to meet for the Thanksgiving holiday because there is a virus in the streets? Should we hold church services during the pandemic or improvise with video meetings? Churches need to allow the exercise of individual consciences, but let us not be blind to the inevitable fruit that these illegitimate rules will produce. Less spirituality, less knowledge of God’s Word, less respect for the church body. Are we so afraid of criticism? So concerned about our physical well-being? How important it is to follow the wise, Godly path and not the popular one of Society. We are to come out from among them and be separate, we are not a part of society. If we are ashamed of that, Christ will be ashamed to be our God (2Cor 6:16-18).
The present governments of the world have increased their promotion of LIES and WICKEDNESS to unprecedented levels. Witness the anti-God topics of evolution, homosexuality, feminism, gender changes, vegetarianism and a myriad other “scientifically proven facts.” 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 (Is 5:20). By many lying means they are convincing humanity to accept their “truths,” agendas and values. And they use the very effective method of “cancelling” anyone who dares to even inadvertently say something in disagreement. Here in Chile, the government is contemplating the addition of endorsements/restrictions to their mandatory identity cards which will prohibit/allow activities based on one’s adherence to the State’s protocols. The “consensus of Science” is a dangerous, anti-God authority.
6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. 7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
Although Christians are only secondary citizens of any nation, it is proper that they pay the State’s taxes. This echoes the teaching of Christ, who famously silenced the Jews’ objection to taxation by saying, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s (Mat 22:21). If Christians can live in the world’s society without being part of it (John 17:14-18), then they can live in subjection to the State without being a part of it – and that includes paying their taxes. On another occasion, Jesus told Peter to fish out a piece of money to pay the tribute tax, but only after explaining that He really didn’t owe it – lest we should offend them (Mat 17:22-27).
The conscience of some is to err on the side of State, accommodating their Christian life to the constraints that the State imposes. They apply this mind also to paying taxes. I wonder. Is Christ best honored by paying a little MORE to the government than what is strictly due, just in case of an audit? Or is He better honored by paying the bare minimum so that more might be used in His Kingdom? Much of the tax money that governments collect goes for immoral causes – war, abortion, gay rights, arts and science grants, etc. By the same token, it is discordant with Christ’s peaceable Kingdom to be a rebel and cheat (Jude 1:8-9). The world’s governments are a part of Satan’s kingdom until that Day they are swept up like dust in the balance and thrown into the Lake of Fire (Rev 11:15; Jude 14; Rev 17). We render due fear, custom and tribute because of how we should behave in the Kingdom of Christ, not because we are concerned about how we appear to other men.
In these verses, the Apostle’s model of Church and State pre-supposes that the Kingdom of Christ is small in comparison to general society. He describes the Christian as living in subjection to the Government, but not participating in it nor revolting against it. The consistent framework is: 1) we the Church, and 2) they the State. And yes, the Scriptures present the saints of the Kingdom as a minority in relation to the citizens of this fair World. Many walk the broad way to destruction, but few are courageous enough to follow the strait and narrow way unto life (Mat 7:13-14; Luke 13:23-24). Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom (Luke 12:32). God is seeking a people that sincerely and voluntarily worship Him; a select, chosen, peculiar people that in works of righteousness do shew forth the praise and honor that is due His holy name (1Pet 2:9).
8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.
Pay your debts, whether the king’s tribute, commercial invoices or personal loans. The testimony of a Christian who cannot act as a good steward of his own finances is greatly hindered (1Tim 3:7). Owe no man any thing does not mean that we refuse to receive gifts, or the aid of others, or the forgiveness of a debt, but that we repay our financial obligations and commitments in a timely fashion.
There is one obligation that we can never fully pay, and that is the duty to serve our fellowman in love. The Law of Moses itself was based upon the decision and action of love, which is agape in this case. The Greek word owe (opheilete) is the verb form of the word debts (opheilamata) in the Lord’s Prayer (Mat 6:12).
9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.
The Apostle continues to include the Jewish Christians in in his address. He has given them some rather heavy news, but here he acknowledges the righteousness of their Law, which is built upon the Rule to love God and neighbor. Love is the fulfilling of the Law. The spirit or the Mosaic Law was that Mankind act in love towards God and Man. That is the essence of the Ten Commandments, which continue true and valid under the New Covenant (see notes for Mat 5). The first four commandments call for man to love God and the last six involve love in action toward others. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets (Mat 22:36-40; Gal 5:14).
Paul cites five of the six commandments directed to loving our fellow man, but omits the first in that table, honor thy father and mother (Eph 6:2).
11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. 12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.
As the years go by, the time for salvation grows more urgent. And for the already saved, the passing years can tend to lure unto comfort, laxity and even slumber. It is high time to awake. This has never been more true! The night is far spent…Awake thou that sleepest (Eph 5:14).
Knowing the time (kairos, the season). Many are able to discern the coming weather by looking at the sky, but they cannot discern the signs of the times (Mat 16:3). Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields, for they are white already unto harvest (John 4:35). The Scriptures urgently warn the churches to take heed, to watch and pray always (Luke 21:34-36), for the Day will come suddenly, like a snare, at an hour when ye think not (Luke 12:40). Know the time! It is increasingly important, yet I see less and less urgency in this matter among the people of God. But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that Day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light…therefore let us not sleep, as do others (1Thes 5:3-8)
In addition to knowing the season of the world, know your own time. Life is a vapor! And at that moment of death there is no more time for you. Are you saved? Have you cast off the works of darkness and put on the armour of light? There is a double contrast in these two phrases: light with darkness, works with armor. The works of darkness are the acts of fleshly lusts (1Pet 2:11; Col 3:8; Gal 5:19-21), but the Christian puts on the armor of light (Eph 6:11-18).
Walking in the light. Study this common figure of Scripture in John 12:35-36; Acts 26:18; John 8:12; 1John 1:7; Eph 5:8; John 3:19-21.
13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. 14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
The life of a Christian should never be characterized by immoral, rowdy, crude, foolish behavior (Titus 2:12). Let us walk honestly (euschamonos), meaning uprightly, decently, soberly, mannerly (Luke 21:34; Eph 5:5-8). Rioting (revellings in Gal 5:21; 1Pet 4:3) and all such foolish acts must not be once named among you (Eph 5:3). Chambering (the bed in Heb 13:4) is a euphemism for all kinds of immoral behavior, and wantonness (lasciviousness in Gal 5:19; Eph 4:19) refers to all kinds of sensual or promiscuous behavior.
Instead, put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ. The picture is of someone putting on a garment. It is a common figure of speech in this context (see Gal 3:27; Eph 4:24; Col 3:12; Eph 6:11). Instead of walking nakedly in the lusts of the flesh, be clothed with Christ (2Cor 5:2-4). Imitate His manner of conduct and His frame of mind.