OK, let’s start analyzing the text of Romans 13. The passage starts off: “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities.” (Romans 13:1)
In an article in Direction Journal, Jon Isaak notes:
Paul does not use the most common word for obedience (hypakouo) in 13:1 and 13:5 (Yoder, 212). Instead he uses a more general word, meaning “to submit” or “to stand under” (hypotasso). There is a difference between societal obedience (that which is automatic and unreflective) and internal consent (that which is offered only after reflection and assessment).
That’s presented for your consideration and comment. I don’t know enough Greek to comment one way or the other.
The other part of the verse, the term translated authorities, is the term translated as “powers” in several other passages. We spent some time last week discussing this concept of powers; suffice it for now to say that this is more than just a simple reference to human government. Paul would have had a hard time separating the officials from the spiritual powers behind them. And we should have a harder time doing the same.
We have a Western view of government, with a “separation of church and state.” There’s no reason to think that Paul would have done the same. He saw “the powers” as just that: the powers. Powers that compete to some degree with Christ’s authority and that will eventually be destroyed by Christ.
We’ll continue examining this passage over the next few days. As always, thoughts and comments are not only welcomed, they are thoroughly encouraged.
really struggling to understand how we can submit to authorities that are really powers? Conceptually, I think I get the difference we have in powers and authorities… not sure Paul would advocate submitting to the power behind the throne– Can you see how confused all this is to me?
Yes, Les, I definitely know the feeling. The deeper I get in this chapter, the more I get to feeling that I’m in over my head.
It helps me, though, to remember that there is a difference between submission and allegiance. Paul would urge submission to Nero, but wouldn’t ask the Christians to throw their lot in with him.
I keep trying to plow through this. If I get in too deep, someone can throw me a lifeline.
Grace and peace,
Tim Archer
Living in a network of interconnected small family and tribal units that work together in the system that God established, they must have understood submission and authority far differently that we do. We live in a world where all men, now both male and female, are created equal, and we each behave individualistically to achieve our own personal goals within an economic system. We submit to or live by the rules. We do not even have a way of publicly showing submission in our greetings. We are free and bow to no man.
It does get rather complicated, Tim. Do we submit to the powers or authorities that are visible – earthly governments, or to those powers in the heavely realms?
And the Christians in Revelation don’t seem so submissive when they cry out for vindication. Interesting discussion.