Things get interesting as we continue to analyze Romans 13:1-7. The next sentence says: “For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” (Romans 13:1)

“Authority” here is exousia. That word is sometimes translated as “right” or “liberty,” and some feel that it should be here. I think “authorities” or “powers” is correct in this context. All authority, all power is eventually from God.

The second part of this sentence is a little more difficult. In his commentary on Acts, J.W. McGarvey commented on this verse (when discussing Acts 13:48):

The word in question is a generic term, having no single word in English to fully represent it. Its generic sense is best represented by our phrase, set in order. In its various specific applications, however, we have single terms which accurately represent it. Thus, when Jesus etaxato set in order a certain mountain in Galilee as a place to meet his disciples, or the Jews in Rome taxamenoi set in order a day to meet Paul,} we best express the idea by appointed. But when Paul [at Romans 13:1] says of civil rulers that “the existing authorities tetagmenai eisin were set in order by God,” he does not intend to affirm that God had appointed those rulers, but merely asserts his general providence in their existence and arrangement. The idea is best expressed in English by using the phrase set in order, or by saying they were arranged by God.

From what I can tell, the verb translated “ordained” can refer to established, appointed or set in place, as well as ordered. This verse is reminding the Romans that no matter what seems to be, it is God that is ultimately in control.

We also need to recognize that the verse is talking about the powers in existence at that moment. We may be able to extrapolate that to refer to all authorities at all times, but the initial meaning is limited. The “powers that be,” the rules in power at that moment were there because God wanted them to be there. It was right for Christians to submit to these authorities because God had them there for a reason.

At least at this point, we aren’t ready to make this a universal application. And there is a lot more to be said about this passage. Let’s take it one step at a time.

Input, please. What are your thoughts so far?

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.

Before jumping into the grammar of Romans 13, I wanted to state from the outset that I see this passage as being limited in application. And everyone else does too.

Everyone? Isn’t that a bit extreme? Well, if anyone takes this passage as being universal in application, I haven’t found them yet.

Some limit it by saying, “We obey the government except when that conflicts with obedience to God.” I think we see that truth clearly in the book of Acts.

Others limit it by saying that Paul’s statements about governments rewarding good behavior are merely a statement of what governments should do.

There are other minority interpretations, like the view that Paul is only referring to church government or that Paul is talking only about local authorities, not national governments.

Edit, 10:08 a.m.: (Sorry, I forgot this… it’s an important point!) Almost everyone takes with a grain of salt Paul’s statements about being blessed by the government when we do right. Or are there people who really believe that only evildoers suffer at the hands of the government? We know that is a concept that is limited in application. Otherwise, we are calling Jesus an evildoer. <end edit>

Whatever the case, the point is that NOBODY reads Romans 13 as applying to all situations at all times. That’s an important point to keep in mind as we study this passage. It’s not a question of whether or not there are limitations; it’s a question of what we understand the limitations to be.

It helps to remember that those big numbers in the Bible weren’t put there by the original authors. We see Romans 13 as a separate unit, but it really forms part of a larger unit in the book of Romans. Chapters 9-11 discuss the situation of the Jews within God’s plan.

Romans 12 starts a new section, beginning with the famous teaching: “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.” (Romans 12:1) I should probably include verse 2 as part of the theme of this whole section: “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2)

Living sacrifice. Not conformed to this world. The verses that follow flesh out what that means.

The verses immediately before Romans 13 discuss taking revenge: “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.  On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:17-21)

We then have the section of Romans 13 that we will be studying, verses 1-7. Those are followed by a discussion of love, connected by the concept of debt, what is owed. Then chapter 13 ends with a discussion of the significance of the end times.

So help me study this… how does this context inform our understanding of the first seven verses of Romans 13? What connections do you see?