Submit or Obey to Governing Authorities, Which?

By Nab B.  

November 8, 2021

Question: 

What does Romans 13:1-7 really say about obeying governing authorities?

Answer:

To understand Romans 13:1-7, we need to examine the following: 

• The context 

• Word definitions in the Greek text.

• The cultural background. 

The explanation presented is based on the scriptures in context and not someone else's interpretation. Any preconceived ideas about Romans 13:1-7 need to be put aside for now, to let the passage interpret itself.

Romans 13 Word Usage and Context

Romans 13:1

"Let every soul be subject to the authorities being above him. For there is no authority except by God; but those existing are having been instituted by God." (BLB)

The word ‘subject’ or 'submit' is the Greek word # 5293 hypotássō, which comes from hypó, "under," and tássō, "arrange." (Source: https://biblehub.com/greek/5293.htm)

"Hypotássō" is a Greek military term meaning "to arrange [troop divisions] in a military fashion under the command of a leader". In non-military use, it was "a voluntary attitude of giving in, cooperating, assuming responsibility, and carrying a burden". (Source: https://www.studylight.org/lexicons/eng/greek/5293.html)

Why did Paul not use the other Greek word, ‘Hupakouo’, best translated as ‘obey’? Because ‘Hupakouo’ is used in a hierarchical context in the NT, such as children to parents, slaves to masters. (Ephesians 6:1,5) In that sense, Christians are not commanded to obey "higher authorities" but rather "submit" or "cooperate voluntarily" when there’s no moral, ethical, or conscientious conflict.

In the New Testament, to ‘subject or submit’ does not always mean to "obey"! They are two different actions. Some examples below can help:

1. 1. 1. Paul, Peter, and others didn’t obey laws that conflicted with their Christian consciences. But they submitted to the authorities' punishments!

1. 1. 2. Egyptian Midwives obeyed God's direction and refused to obey Pharaoh’s evil orders.

1. 1. 3. The Magi didn’t obey King Herod’s demands when God instructed them in a dream!

1. 1. 4. Jesus’ words to Herod, “Tell that fox'' (Luke 13:32), showed that Jesus chose not to obey Herod's orders that conflicted with Christ's. 

Romans 13:2

"Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves." (NKJV)

The word "resist" in Greek is ‘antitasso’. It is simply a disagreement or taking legal action against an authority. It is to battle against, to resist, to set oneself against something or someone considered a rival. (Reference: https://biblehub.com/greek/498.htm)

To "resist" then refers to someone who battles against an authority, perhaps by overthrowing it. Of course, Christians are not called to do that!  If they do, in that sense, they might find themselves opposing the authority of God. But simply disagreeing with a government or an authority does not amount to opposing God’s arrangement.

Romans 13:3-4

"For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil...For he is God's servant to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For He is God's servant, an avenger for wrath to the one doing evil." (BLB)

Paying attention to the phrase, “For he is God's servant to you for good,” is very crucial. An authority that can be cooperated with and be subject to is one that "God's servant for good" as God intended. 

What if an authority forces a believer to do things against God's commandments and his Christian conscience? In such a case, a believer needs to examine if the orders are for his spiritual “good” and decides to submit or not.

Romans 13:5 

"Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience." (ESV)

Why would Paul bring up the matter of conscience in submitting to authorities if this was a command? Because, as Paul said, "for the sake of conscience," or one's own decision!

Romans 13:6-7 

"For because of this, you also pay taxes; for they are servants of God, attending continually upon this very thing. Render to all their dues: tax to whom tax, revenue to whom revenue, respect to whom respect, honor to whom honor." (BLB)

It seems to me, Paul's passage in Romans 13:1-6 has to do with the ‘paying of tax and revenue’. Perhaps Roman taxes and revenues were excessive, causing some to oppose them. Paul was helping the brothers, not to make it an issue of this matter in this area only. 

So, the Romans 13 passage cannot be indiscriminately applied to all rules and laws! Based on the actual definitions of the Greek words and the context, a Christian can fully decide, based on his or her conscience, whether to submit to rules and laws that may or may not conflict with their beliefs.

Jesus and Pontius Pilate

Some Christians go as far as to conclude that since all authorities were given by God, then authorities must be obeyed regardless! 

Well, I have news for such ones! During his earthly ministry, Jesus did not always obey or even submit to the ruling authorities of his day. He often collided with them. 

But when it was time to fulfill his Father's will to die, he FULLY OBEYED, accepting without resistance to be charged as a criminal and a blasphemer and to be put to death by the Jewish authority and the Roman executioner. 

Why did Jesus accept that? Because it was his Father who granted the Jewish rulers and Pontius Pilate the authority to execute him. Jesus' account, if anything, clearly shows that there are times to submit or not submit to obey or not obey. ‘Submit’ and ‘obey’ are not synonymous but are two different actions.

True Christians, based on their beliefs and conscience, are not obligated to submit to all authority haphazardly. They will readily SUBMIT and cooperate on issues that do not conflict with the will of God, divine principles, and Christian conscience. A Christian will even boldly face the consequences of his moral decisions if they conflict with governing authorities. To them, obedience is for God and Christ, and they come first!

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” (2 Corinthians 3:17)

❮ More Q & A

❮ HOME