“A SURVEY OF THE BOOK OF ROMANS” ROMANS 13:1-14

The Believers’ Responsibility to be Good Citizens 

Although the grand Apostle Paul had urged the Roman believers that they are not to be conformed to the world (Romans 12:2), this verse does not exempt believers from being in subjection to the authorities of civil government, nor the rulers of the state (Romans 13:1-2).  Christians should always be good citizens of the countries in which they live.  God’s command of obedience to civil authority is for “every soul.”  This command is issued to the saved and unsaved.  They are commanded to be subordinate (be subject) to the authorities placed in government.

We are to be subject to civil authorities because God has appointed them by His good providence (see Daniel 2:21; 4:17).  These governmental authorities have a grave responsibility to God to make sure that the authority God has granted be administered properly.  Because God has granted them with authority, rebellion against governmental authority is rebellion against God (v. 2).  Those who rebel will receive punishment or damnation.  The government can inflict penal punishment upon violators of the laws of the state.  We must obey all governmental leaders as long as their commands do not conflict with the commands of God (Acts 5:28-29).  In verses 3-4, rulers are not a terror to those who conduct themselves properly, but to those who break the law.  Governmental leaders are ministers who serve God, even though they may not even believe in God’s existence (v. 4).  They have been appointed by God to execute His good purposes.  Those who do evil deeds bring the ruler’s wrath upon themselves.

Paul cites two reasons why we are obligated to the government under which we live (v. 5).  The first reason is the “fear of the wrath of the government.”  There will be a fear of the power to inflict punishment on those who disobey the law of the land.

A second reason is that Christians should fear out of “conscience sake.”  Having an enlightened conscience, a Christian has a sense of obligation to God (I Timothy 1:5; I Peter 2:13).  In verses 6-7, we are obligated as citizens to pay taxes to God’s appointed rulers.  Rulers collect taxes in order to fund the government.  We pay taxes because it is God’s command to do so!  Believers are to give whatever is due to the proper people (v. 7).  Personal and property taxes should be paid to whom the tax is due.  Again, the tax (custom) is used in support of the civil government.  Not only should we pay taxes, but we should respect (fear) our leaders due to their positions, and honor them because of their task (v. 7).

Not only should believers be in submission to civil authorities of the state, but believers have an obligation to love their fellowmen.  When believers love one another, they will be fulfilling the last part of the Ten Commandments dealing with a believer’s relation to his fellowman (vs. 9-10).  Thus, when believers love one another, they are fulfilling the law.  Selfless love always seeks the highest good of others.

Having discussed that believers have an obligation to obey civil authorities and love one another, Paul now impresses upon us that the culmination of our salvation is near (Romans 13:11).  Knowing that Christ will be appearing soon, believers should have an attitude of watchfulness.  Knowing this, believers should be casting off the deeds of darkness and putting on the armor of light (v. 12).   Also, believers should not conduct themselves after the behavior pattern of the unsaved, but to clothe themselves with Christ (vs. 13-14).  In summary, as believers, we are obligated to obey civil authorities, to love one another, and to deport ourselves properly in view of the Lord’s return.

May God Bless!