Truth Warrior
02-28-2009, 02:17 PM
Romans 13, 1 Peter, and the Proper Relationship Between the Christian and the State
Romans 13 and 1 Peter both address the relationship between Christians and human governmental authorities. While these passages are usually interpreted as "pro-government," an examination of these works by Paul and Peter, respectively, will reveal the true role human governments serve in God's divine providence, and how Christians should regard such governments.
Romans 13 and Human Government
Romans 13 is a very difficult passage to evaluate. In this portion of his letter to the church in Rome, Paul instructed Christians on the relationship between them and the Roman governmental authorities. At first glance, the passage seems to legitimize and support the actions of human governments. Elsewhere, Paul advised Christians to “study diligently to show yourself approved unto God…” (2 Timothy 2:15), and contrary to any potential first glance interpretation, the true meaning of this deceptive passage becomes clear after a brief study of the issue. The passage in question reads as follows:
Romans 13:1-10: Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God... For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. For he is God’s minister 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 minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake.
As shown in Human Government is a Rejection of God (http://www.harmlessasdoves.com/israelking.html) and Satan is in Control of Human Governments (http://www.harmlessasdoves.com/satanownsgov.html), the Old Testament explains how human governments are a rejection of God’s government, and the New Testament often portrays human governments as under the control and influence of Satan (if these articles have not been read, it is advised to read them before proceeding).
If human governments are a rejection of God, and are controlled by the influence of Satan, why then does Paul refer to rulers as "God’s minister"? Furthermore, when Paul wrote his letter to the church in Rome, Nero had already become emperor. It is difficult to imagine Nero, who undertook a massive persecution of Christians throughout the empire, as "God’s minister." Paul certainly knew of the story of Jesus’ birth. How could Herod, the ruler who attempted to murder young Jesus, be "God’s minister"?
Paul also states that “rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil.” The simple interpretation of this statement cannot be true. Paul himself was terrorized by the “governing authorities.” While in Damascus, the governor under King Aretas had the walls of the city guarded in order to arrest the apostle. In order to escape from the city, Paul had to sneak out a window in one of the city’s walls, being lowered to the ground in a basket. Paul also had to flee from authorities in Iconium and Thessalonica. In Caesarea, Paul was arrested for spreading Christian ideas, and was imprisoned for two years. Eventually, Paul met a martyr’s death when he was executed by Roman authorities. Certainly, then, these authorities were a terror to Paul’s good works.
If the Roman government persecuted Christians so ruthlessly, in what sense was it "appointed by God"? In what sense were Roman authorities "God’s ministers"? And in what sense are Christians to be "subject" to these "authorities"? The answers to these questions reveal the true message behind Paul’s letter to Rome.
Government as God’s Minister, Appointed by God
Romans 13 tells us that “there is no authority except from God.” Of course this is true. Even Satan’s authority comes from God. In order for Satan to exercise his power, even he needs the permission of God. Demonstrative of this is the story of Job. Satan desired to persecute Job, but had to ask God’s permission to do so, and God granted it. Does this mean that the persecution of Job was morally right? No, it was wrong. Satan used his power and authority, given to him by God, to persecute Job. God did not morally approve of this persecution, but allowed it to occur, because it was in line with his divine plan. God wanted Job’s faith to be tested, so God gave Satan the authority to persecute him. In other words, God “appointed” Satan to persecute Job. This does not mean that Job’s persecution was “good,” but just in line with God’s divine plan.
Throughout the Old Testament, there are numerous occurrences where this theme is extended to human governments. Although these governments are performing brutish acts, persecuting God’s people, in every instance they are described as God’s “servant” or some other term, showing that they were appointed by God to perform such violent acts.
The Egyptian Pharaoh was Appointed by God
In Exodus chapter 9, God gives the following message to the Egyptian Pharaoh:
Exodus 9:16-17: For this purpose I have raised you up, that I may show my power in you, and that my name may be declared in all the earth.
Even the Pharaoh, the ultimate villain in the Exodus story, was raised up by God. The Pharaoh in no way was consciously performing the will of God. No, the Pharaoh persecuted and enslaved the Hebrew people, but yet, in God’s divine plan, he allowed the Pharaoh to commit such acts because it led to the ultimate good of the Hebrew people, their exodus. Certainly, however, Moses was justified in challenging the Pharaoh, even though the Pharaoh was “raised up” by God. God used the Pharaoh as an instrument in his plan, but right and wrong never changes. The Pharaoh’s role was to commit such wrong actions, but it was also the role of all “good” people to condemn those same wrong actions. Just because the Pharaoh was appointed by God does not imply that his actions were justified.
The Monarch of Assyria was Appointed by God
In Isaiah chapter 10, the monarch of Assyria was described in the same fashion as the Egyptian Pharaoh:
Isaiah 10:5-7,12: Woe to the Assyrian, the rod of my anger, in whose hand is the club of my wrath! I send him against a godless nation, I dispatch him against a people who anger me, to seize loot and snatch plunder, and to trample them down like mud in the streets. But this is not what the Assyrian intends, this is not what he has in mind; his purpose is to destroy… When the Lord has finished all his work against Mount Zion and Jerusalem, he will say, "I will punish the king of Assyria for the willful pride of his heart and the haughty look in his eyes.”
In this passage, the violent Assyrian monarch is described as the rod of God’s anger. God used the Assyrian government to punish the hypocritical and ungodly nation of Israel. The Assyrian government was “appointed” to perform a number of cruel functions: “to seize loot and snatch plunder, and to trample (Israel) down like mud in the streets.” This does not mean that the Assyrian monarch was conscious of all this: “But this is not what the Assyrian intends, this is not what he has in mind.” Instead, the Assyrian monarch acted in his own arrogant and violent manner: “his purpose is to destroy.” The monarch was an evil person, performing evil actions, who was going to be punished for such actions: “I will punish the king of Assyria for the willful pride of his heart and the haughty look in his eyes.” God’s will always prevails. Through his divine providence, God is able to find a way to use the evil of the Assyrian government to his purposes. In Romans 13 Paul writes that human authorities are appointed “for good.” Of course God’s will is always good. In this sense, the Assyrian government performed its evil deeds, for the ultimate good of God’s people. The Israel nation had become hypocritical and ungodly, therefore it needed correction. God used the evil Assyrian government for this purpose, doing good for the Israel nation by attempting to bring it back to God. Further using the language of Romans 13, the Assyrian government can be described as a terror to evil works: the evil works of the fallen Israel nation. Lastly, just as with the Pharaoh, although God was able to use the violence of Assyria to his ultimate purpose, this violence was not justified. All godly people of the day should have condemned the violence, and certainly should not have supported it or taken part in it.
King Nebuchadnezzar was Appointed by God
Jeremiah 25:8-12: "Because you have not listened to my words, I will summon all the peoples of the north and my servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon," declares the Lord, "and I will bring them against this land and its inhabitants and against all the surrounding nations. I will completely destroy them and make them an object of horror and scorn, and an everlasting ruin… This whole country will become a desolate wasteland, and these nations will serve the king of Babylon seventy years. But when the seventy years are fulfilled, I will punish the king of Babylon and his nation for their guilt…"
Along with this passage, two other times in the book of Jeremiah Nebuchadnezzar is referred to as God’s "servant" (27:6 and 43:10). This is strikingly similar language to Romans 13 where government authorities are described as God’s “ministers.” This is the same Nebuchadnezzar who created the golden idol, and threw Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego into the furnace for not worshiping it. How can such a man be God’s servant? In exactly the same sense that God used the Pharaoh and the monarch of Assyria. Because Israel had not listened to God, Nebuchadnezzar, like the monarch of Assyria, was used as an instrument of God’s wrath for the purposes of punishing Israel. This does not morally justify the actions of Nebuchadnezzar. His actions were wrong, and when his purpose in God’s plan had been fulfilled, God declared that he would “punish the king of Babylon and his nation for their guilt.” Therefore, describing Nebuchadnezzar as God’s servant does not mean that his actions were morally just. It only means that his sinful actions were used by God, to the fulfillment of God’s divine plan.
Human Government Appointed by God, as Explained in Romans 13
As we have seen, the Pharaoh, the Assyrian monarch, and King Nebuchadnezzar were all “appointed” by God, for the fulfillment of God’s plan. In all three instances, these governmental leaders were used as an instrument of God’s vengeance. These leaders performed cruel and sinful acts, but God was able to use them for his ultimate purpose. When Romans 13 is read in relation to Romans 12, it becomes clear that the governing authorities Paul writes of serve this same purpose. Romans 12 concludes as follows:
Romans 12:17-21: Do not repay anyone evil for evil… live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “Vengeance is Mine, 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…” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
In line with the teachings of Jesus (please read The New Testament Promotes the Absolute Love of Enemies (http://www.harmlessasdoves.com/loveenemies.html)), Paul instructed Christians to show love to their enemies. One should live at peace with all, and if wronged, should not seek vengeance, because vengeance is the Lord’s. How, then, does God exercise this vengeance that is his alone? As shown above, Paul answers this question in Romans 13:
Romans 13:4: …But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.
Just as the Pharaoh, the Assyrian monarch, and King Nebuchadnezzar were described, here all human governments are described in similar terms. These governments serve as God’s “avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.” Christians, on the other hand, are called upon to love their enemies and “not take revenge.” Human governments have rebelled against this divine concept. Rather than allowing this rebellion against his will to ruin his plan, God is able to use this rebellion for the fulfillment of his divine plan. Paul’s writing simply declares that divine providence overrides human rebellion against godly ways, it does not approve of such rebellion. Just as the Pharaoh, the Assyrian monarch, and King Nebuchadnezzar were to be punished for the dreadful acts, so to will all human governments. The exact details of God’s divine plan will never be completely known. All good Christians can do is to have faith in his will, and follow the instructions given through Jesus and the apostles. We have been instructed to love our enemies, not take revenge, leave vengeance with God, and overcome evil with good. Sometimes it might be difficult to follow these commandments, but we must have the attitude of Jesus on the eve of his crucifixion:
Matthew 26:39: …not as I will, but as You will.
In What Sense Should Christians be “Subject” to Human Government?
By instructing Christians to be “subject” to the state, Paul certainly could not have meant unconditional obedience. In Matthew chapter 6, Jesus states the following:
Matthew 6:24: No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other…
Christians owe absolute obedience to God. God is our master; we cannot serve another. If unconditional obedience is required from both God and the state, then Christians indeed have two masters. If the demands of the state were to contradict the teachings of Jesus, then Christians would then be forced to choose which master they served. Unconditional obedience cannot be given to both God and the state, and given the choice, of course it must be given to God.
As stated earlier, Paul constantly disobeyed governing authorities, and, because of this, he was constantly on the run. In Caesarea he was finally caught, imprisoned for two years, and eventually executed.
Paul was not the only one to disobey authorities. Acts 4-5 tells the story of the arrest of Peter and John, and their disregard of human laws. Both apostles were imprisoned by local authorities for preaching in the name of Jesus, which they had been explicitly instructed not to do. The two apostles broke out of jail, and began preaching once again. When the authorities found Peter and John, they asked:
Acts 5:28: …Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name?
The apostles, who had directly disobeyed the order given to them, answered as follows:
Acts 5:29: We ought to obey God rather than men.
The entire book of Acts, as well as the other writings in the New Testament, tells the story of how Paul, Peter, John, and the other apostles were constantly rebelling and disobeying the Roman government and local governing authorities. They were persecuted, imprisoned, and most faced a martyr’s death.
Realizing that “subject” must not mean unconditional obedience, because we have already given this to God, in what manner are we then to be “subject” to the state? One of the most common definitions of “subject” is “being in a position that places one under the power or authority of another.” In a very real sense, someone can be subject to someone else while taking part in disobedience.
As noted above, Peter, John, Paul, the other apostles, as well as Jesus himself all disregarded and disobeyed governing authorities. Yet, while disobeying, they were still under the power and authority of these human governments. Being called upon to love their enemies, violent resistance was not an option. This non-violent message was of great importance to Roman Christians. Many of the Christians in Rome were of Jewish nationality. Jews throughout the Roman Empire, having suffered centuries of persecution, were continually on the threshold of violent rebellion. In Rome, the heart of the Empire, the potential for violent disturbances certainly was great. In addition, it was approximately at this time that the Roman Emperor Nero began his immense persecution of Christians within the Empire. With this in mind, it becomes perfectly clear why Paul would urge Roman Christians to be “subject” to the governing authorities. Rather than violently opposing the government, Paul instructed these Christians to subject themselves to the persecution they were suffering. Throughout the New Testament are instances where the apostles, following Jesus' lead, set the example for later Christians regarding subjection to persecution, leading to their martyrdom. Jesus predicted this type of subjection to persecution numerous times throughout the Gospels:
Mark 13:9-13: You must be on your guard. You will be handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues. On account of me you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them… All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.
John 15:18-20: If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world… That is why the world hates you. Remember the words I spoke to you: “No servant is greater than his master.” If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also… John 16:2-4: They will put you out of the synagogue; in fact, a time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering a service to God. They will do such things because they have not known the Father or me. I have told you this, so that when the time comes you will remember that I warned you…
If Christians were obedient to governing authorities, there would be no reason for this persecution. Instead, Christians will often find it necessary to disobey human governments. When the governing authorities do persecute Christians, Paul advised them to be subject to these enemies. Show them love, try to convert them, but if this fails, willfully accept any punishment received, as did Jesus, Peter, John, Paul, and the other apostles. Once again, as examined above, Paul outlined the proper conduct of Christians in Romans 12:
Romans 12:17-21: Do not repay anyone evil for evil… live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “Vengeance is Mine, 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…” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
One last point concerning the term "subject": Paul urged Christians to be subject in a number of instances. One of these instances is slaves to their masters:
Titus 2:9: Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them.
This certainly does not justify slavery or the actions of any slave-owner. Just as this does not justify slavery, Romans 13 does not justify government. Slavery was an issue which Christians of the day had to deal with. Any slave who was converted to Christianity had to then answer to his master. In the passage above, Paul intended to persuade Christian slaves not to resort to violence. Realizing the immorality of slavery, it must have been tempting for slaves to fight for their freedom. The Christian religion, however, forbids this. Instead, just as with the Christian relation to governmental rulers, the slaves were instructed to show their masters love, try to convert them, and if their Christianity forces them to disobey their masters, they then must willfully accept their punishment. In short, as Paul worded it, Christian slaves must be subject to their masters.
1 Peter 2 and Human Government
In 1 Peter, the apostle Peter wrote a passage similar to Paul’s message to the Roman church:
1 Peter 2:13-14: Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong…
It must first be remembered that Peter, like Paul, constantly disobeyed the “governing authorities.” As stated above, it was Peter who, when asked why he defied the orders given to him, declared:
Acts 5:29: We ought to obey God rather than men.
In 1 Peter, Peter urged submission in the same context in which Paul did in Romans 13: submission to persecution. There is no doubt about it, Peter was writing to a persecuted church; he made this very clear.
1 Peter 1:6: In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.
1 Peter 4:12: Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. 1 Peter 5:8-9: ...Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
Peter advised this persecuted church to meet the evil they were facing with good, echoing Paul’s instructions to the church at Rome. A few verses before Peter’s call for submission, he wrote the following:
1 Peter 2:11-12: Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.
It can be said that Peter cared about the image of the Christians under persecution. Although they were being persecuted, Peter wanted the “pagans” to see the good deeds of the Christians. This is a practical suggestion of how Christians, as Paul worded it in Romans 12, can “overcome evil with good.”
Following Peter’s call for submission in verses 13-14, he provided the reason for such submission in verses 15-16:
1 Peter 2:15-16: For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God.
Peter wrote that Christians should submit themselves to governmental institutions, because if they were to violently resist, then the government would have reason to persecute them. Instead, if Christians are to do only good, the government will have no reason to persecute them. By living good lives, not using “your freedom as a cover-up for evil,” the hypocrisy of the government will be shown, and the church will “silence the ignorant talk of foolish men" (please note, Peter here referred to governmental leaders as ignorant and foolish men).
Rather than violently resisting such persecution, Christians must submit and suffer. What is inferred from Romans 12 and 13, Peter clearly explained:
1 Peter 2:19-23: For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. ...When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats…
1 Peter 3:13-17: Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed… It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. 1 Peter 4:1,12-19: Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude… Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering… But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed… If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal… However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name… Those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
Conclusion
In conclusion, rather than serving as a divine justification for the existence of human government, both Romans 13 and 1 Peter 2 serve as a practical guide as to how Christians should relate to the governmental authorities around them. We are told that government is God’s tool for vengeance. The problem for the Christian today is not necessarily with government per se. The problem lies with the Christian support for government, or in other words, the Christian support for vengeance. Paul instructed the church to have nothing to do with vengeance. Therefore, we should have nothing to do with government. Moses did not help the Pharaoh enslave the Hebrews. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego did not help Nebuchadnezzar enforce his idolatrous policies. Likewise, Christians should not take part in the state by holding office, nor should they give their consent or approval to the state through voting. Ignore the state; put all effort towards leading quiet lives in conformity with the teachings of Jesus (as Peter wrote). By doing this, hopefully evil will be overcome with good (as Paul wrote) and there will be no place for governmental vengeance. If this fails, however, rejoice in the fact that any suffering one is forced to endure will be suffering for doing good, just as Christ experienced (as Peter wrote). This is the Christian’s proper role in relation to human governmental authorities.
http://www.harmlessasdoves.com/romans13.html
Romans 13 and 1 Peter both address the relationship between Christians and human governmental authorities. While these passages are usually interpreted as "pro-government," an examination of these works by Paul and Peter, respectively, will reveal the true role human governments serve in God's divine providence, and how Christians should regard such governments.
Romans 13 and Human Government
Romans 13 is a very difficult passage to evaluate. In this portion of his letter to the church in Rome, Paul instructed Christians on the relationship between them and the Roman governmental authorities. At first glance, the passage seems to legitimize and support the actions of human governments. Elsewhere, Paul advised Christians to “study diligently to show yourself approved unto God…” (2 Timothy 2:15), and contrary to any potential first glance interpretation, the true meaning of this deceptive passage becomes clear after a brief study of the issue. The passage in question reads as follows:
Romans 13:1-10: Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God... For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. For he is God’s minister 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 minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake.
As shown in Human Government is a Rejection of God (http://www.harmlessasdoves.com/israelking.html) and Satan is in Control of Human Governments (http://www.harmlessasdoves.com/satanownsgov.html), the Old Testament explains how human governments are a rejection of God’s government, and the New Testament often portrays human governments as under the control and influence of Satan (if these articles have not been read, it is advised to read them before proceeding).
If human governments are a rejection of God, and are controlled by the influence of Satan, why then does Paul refer to rulers as "God’s minister"? Furthermore, when Paul wrote his letter to the church in Rome, Nero had already become emperor. It is difficult to imagine Nero, who undertook a massive persecution of Christians throughout the empire, as "God’s minister." Paul certainly knew of the story of Jesus’ birth. How could Herod, the ruler who attempted to murder young Jesus, be "God’s minister"?
Paul also states that “rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil.” The simple interpretation of this statement cannot be true. Paul himself was terrorized by the “governing authorities.” While in Damascus, the governor under King Aretas had the walls of the city guarded in order to arrest the apostle. In order to escape from the city, Paul had to sneak out a window in one of the city’s walls, being lowered to the ground in a basket. Paul also had to flee from authorities in Iconium and Thessalonica. In Caesarea, Paul was arrested for spreading Christian ideas, and was imprisoned for two years. Eventually, Paul met a martyr’s death when he was executed by Roman authorities. Certainly, then, these authorities were a terror to Paul’s good works.
If the Roman government persecuted Christians so ruthlessly, in what sense was it "appointed by God"? In what sense were Roman authorities "God’s ministers"? And in what sense are Christians to be "subject" to these "authorities"? The answers to these questions reveal the true message behind Paul’s letter to Rome.
Government as God’s Minister, Appointed by God
Romans 13 tells us that “there is no authority except from God.” Of course this is true. Even Satan’s authority comes from God. In order for Satan to exercise his power, even he needs the permission of God. Demonstrative of this is the story of Job. Satan desired to persecute Job, but had to ask God’s permission to do so, and God granted it. Does this mean that the persecution of Job was morally right? No, it was wrong. Satan used his power and authority, given to him by God, to persecute Job. God did not morally approve of this persecution, but allowed it to occur, because it was in line with his divine plan. God wanted Job’s faith to be tested, so God gave Satan the authority to persecute him. In other words, God “appointed” Satan to persecute Job. This does not mean that Job’s persecution was “good,” but just in line with God’s divine plan.
Throughout the Old Testament, there are numerous occurrences where this theme is extended to human governments. Although these governments are performing brutish acts, persecuting God’s people, in every instance they are described as God’s “servant” or some other term, showing that they were appointed by God to perform such violent acts.
The Egyptian Pharaoh was Appointed by God
In Exodus chapter 9, God gives the following message to the Egyptian Pharaoh:
Exodus 9:16-17: For this purpose I have raised you up, that I may show my power in you, and that my name may be declared in all the earth.
Even the Pharaoh, the ultimate villain in the Exodus story, was raised up by God. The Pharaoh in no way was consciously performing the will of God. No, the Pharaoh persecuted and enslaved the Hebrew people, but yet, in God’s divine plan, he allowed the Pharaoh to commit such acts because it led to the ultimate good of the Hebrew people, their exodus. Certainly, however, Moses was justified in challenging the Pharaoh, even though the Pharaoh was “raised up” by God. God used the Pharaoh as an instrument in his plan, but right and wrong never changes. The Pharaoh’s role was to commit such wrong actions, but it was also the role of all “good” people to condemn those same wrong actions. Just because the Pharaoh was appointed by God does not imply that his actions were justified.
The Monarch of Assyria was Appointed by God
In Isaiah chapter 10, the monarch of Assyria was described in the same fashion as the Egyptian Pharaoh:
Isaiah 10:5-7,12: Woe to the Assyrian, the rod of my anger, in whose hand is the club of my wrath! I send him against a godless nation, I dispatch him against a people who anger me, to seize loot and snatch plunder, and to trample them down like mud in the streets. But this is not what the Assyrian intends, this is not what he has in mind; his purpose is to destroy… When the Lord has finished all his work against Mount Zion and Jerusalem, he will say, "I will punish the king of Assyria for the willful pride of his heart and the haughty look in his eyes.”
In this passage, the violent Assyrian monarch is described as the rod of God’s anger. God used the Assyrian government to punish the hypocritical and ungodly nation of Israel. The Assyrian government was “appointed” to perform a number of cruel functions: “to seize loot and snatch plunder, and to trample (Israel) down like mud in the streets.” This does not mean that the Assyrian monarch was conscious of all this: “But this is not what the Assyrian intends, this is not what he has in mind.” Instead, the Assyrian monarch acted in his own arrogant and violent manner: “his purpose is to destroy.” The monarch was an evil person, performing evil actions, who was going to be punished for such actions: “I will punish the king of Assyria for the willful pride of his heart and the haughty look in his eyes.” God’s will always prevails. Through his divine providence, God is able to find a way to use the evil of the Assyrian government to his purposes. In Romans 13 Paul writes that human authorities are appointed “for good.” Of course God’s will is always good. In this sense, the Assyrian government performed its evil deeds, for the ultimate good of God’s people. The Israel nation had become hypocritical and ungodly, therefore it needed correction. God used the evil Assyrian government for this purpose, doing good for the Israel nation by attempting to bring it back to God. Further using the language of Romans 13, the Assyrian government can be described as a terror to evil works: the evil works of the fallen Israel nation. Lastly, just as with the Pharaoh, although God was able to use the violence of Assyria to his ultimate purpose, this violence was not justified. All godly people of the day should have condemned the violence, and certainly should not have supported it or taken part in it.
King Nebuchadnezzar was Appointed by God
Jeremiah 25:8-12: "Because you have not listened to my words, I will summon all the peoples of the north and my servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon," declares the Lord, "and I will bring them against this land and its inhabitants and against all the surrounding nations. I will completely destroy them and make them an object of horror and scorn, and an everlasting ruin… This whole country will become a desolate wasteland, and these nations will serve the king of Babylon seventy years. But when the seventy years are fulfilled, I will punish the king of Babylon and his nation for their guilt…"
Along with this passage, two other times in the book of Jeremiah Nebuchadnezzar is referred to as God’s "servant" (27:6 and 43:10). This is strikingly similar language to Romans 13 where government authorities are described as God’s “ministers.” This is the same Nebuchadnezzar who created the golden idol, and threw Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego into the furnace for not worshiping it. How can such a man be God’s servant? In exactly the same sense that God used the Pharaoh and the monarch of Assyria. Because Israel had not listened to God, Nebuchadnezzar, like the monarch of Assyria, was used as an instrument of God’s wrath for the purposes of punishing Israel. This does not morally justify the actions of Nebuchadnezzar. His actions were wrong, and when his purpose in God’s plan had been fulfilled, God declared that he would “punish the king of Babylon and his nation for their guilt.” Therefore, describing Nebuchadnezzar as God’s servant does not mean that his actions were morally just. It only means that his sinful actions were used by God, to the fulfillment of God’s divine plan.
Human Government Appointed by God, as Explained in Romans 13
As we have seen, the Pharaoh, the Assyrian monarch, and King Nebuchadnezzar were all “appointed” by God, for the fulfillment of God’s plan. In all three instances, these governmental leaders were used as an instrument of God’s vengeance. These leaders performed cruel and sinful acts, but God was able to use them for his ultimate purpose. When Romans 13 is read in relation to Romans 12, it becomes clear that the governing authorities Paul writes of serve this same purpose. Romans 12 concludes as follows:
Romans 12:17-21: Do not repay anyone evil for evil… live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “Vengeance is Mine, 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…” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
In line with the teachings of Jesus (please read The New Testament Promotes the Absolute Love of Enemies (http://www.harmlessasdoves.com/loveenemies.html)), Paul instructed Christians to show love to their enemies. One should live at peace with all, and if wronged, should not seek vengeance, because vengeance is the Lord’s. How, then, does God exercise this vengeance that is his alone? As shown above, Paul answers this question in Romans 13:
Romans 13:4: …But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.
Just as the Pharaoh, the Assyrian monarch, and King Nebuchadnezzar were described, here all human governments are described in similar terms. These governments serve as God’s “avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.” Christians, on the other hand, are called upon to love their enemies and “not take revenge.” Human governments have rebelled against this divine concept. Rather than allowing this rebellion against his will to ruin his plan, God is able to use this rebellion for the fulfillment of his divine plan. Paul’s writing simply declares that divine providence overrides human rebellion against godly ways, it does not approve of such rebellion. Just as the Pharaoh, the Assyrian monarch, and King Nebuchadnezzar were to be punished for the dreadful acts, so to will all human governments. The exact details of God’s divine plan will never be completely known. All good Christians can do is to have faith in his will, and follow the instructions given through Jesus and the apostles. We have been instructed to love our enemies, not take revenge, leave vengeance with God, and overcome evil with good. Sometimes it might be difficult to follow these commandments, but we must have the attitude of Jesus on the eve of his crucifixion:
Matthew 26:39: …not as I will, but as You will.
In What Sense Should Christians be “Subject” to Human Government?
By instructing Christians to be “subject” to the state, Paul certainly could not have meant unconditional obedience. In Matthew chapter 6, Jesus states the following:
Matthew 6:24: No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other…
Christians owe absolute obedience to God. God is our master; we cannot serve another. If unconditional obedience is required from both God and the state, then Christians indeed have two masters. If the demands of the state were to contradict the teachings of Jesus, then Christians would then be forced to choose which master they served. Unconditional obedience cannot be given to both God and the state, and given the choice, of course it must be given to God.
As stated earlier, Paul constantly disobeyed governing authorities, and, because of this, he was constantly on the run. In Caesarea he was finally caught, imprisoned for two years, and eventually executed.
Paul was not the only one to disobey authorities. Acts 4-5 tells the story of the arrest of Peter and John, and their disregard of human laws. Both apostles were imprisoned by local authorities for preaching in the name of Jesus, which they had been explicitly instructed not to do. The two apostles broke out of jail, and began preaching once again. When the authorities found Peter and John, they asked:
Acts 5:28: …Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name?
The apostles, who had directly disobeyed the order given to them, answered as follows:
Acts 5:29: We ought to obey God rather than men.
The entire book of Acts, as well as the other writings in the New Testament, tells the story of how Paul, Peter, John, and the other apostles were constantly rebelling and disobeying the Roman government and local governing authorities. They were persecuted, imprisoned, and most faced a martyr’s death.
Realizing that “subject” must not mean unconditional obedience, because we have already given this to God, in what manner are we then to be “subject” to the state? One of the most common definitions of “subject” is “being in a position that places one under the power or authority of another.” In a very real sense, someone can be subject to someone else while taking part in disobedience.
As noted above, Peter, John, Paul, the other apostles, as well as Jesus himself all disregarded and disobeyed governing authorities. Yet, while disobeying, they were still under the power and authority of these human governments. Being called upon to love their enemies, violent resistance was not an option. This non-violent message was of great importance to Roman Christians. Many of the Christians in Rome were of Jewish nationality. Jews throughout the Roman Empire, having suffered centuries of persecution, were continually on the threshold of violent rebellion. In Rome, the heart of the Empire, the potential for violent disturbances certainly was great. In addition, it was approximately at this time that the Roman Emperor Nero began his immense persecution of Christians within the Empire. With this in mind, it becomes perfectly clear why Paul would urge Roman Christians to be “subject” to the governing authorities. Rather than violently opposing the government, Paul instructed these Christians to subject themselves to the persecution they were suffering. Throughout the New Testament are instances where the apostles, following Jesus' lead, set the example for later Christians regarding subjection to persecution, leading to their martyrdom. Jesus predicted this type of subjection to persecution numerous times throughout the Gospels:
Mark 13:9-13: You must be on your guard. You will be handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues. On account of me you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them… All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.
John 15:18-20: If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world… That is why the world hates you. Remember the words I spoke to you: “No servant is greater than his master.” If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also… John 16:2-4: They will put you out of the synagogue; in fact, a time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering a service to God. They will do such things because they have not known the Father or me. I have told you this, so that when the time comes you will remember that I warned you…
If Christians were obedient to governing authorities, there would be no reason for this persecution. Instead, Christians will often find it necessary to disobey human governments. When the governing authorities do persecute Christians, Paul advised them to be subject to these enemies. Show them love, try to convert them, but if this fails, willfully accept any punishment received, as did Jesus, Peter, John, Paul, and the other apostles. Once again, as examined above, Paul outlined the proper conduct of Christians in Romans 12:
Romans 12:17-21: Do not repay anyone evil for evil… live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “Vengeance is Mine, 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…” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
One last point concerning the term "subject": Paul urged Christians to be subject in a number of instances. One of these instances is slaves to their masters:
Titus 2:9: Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them.
This certainly does not justify slavery or the actions of any slave-owner. Just as this does not justify slavery, Romans 13 does not justify government. Slavery was an issue which Christians of the day had to deal with. Any slave who was converted to Christianity had to then answer to his master. In the passage above, Paul intended to persuade Christian slaves not to resort to violence. Realizing the immorality of slavery, it must have been tempting for slaves to fight for their freedom. The Christian religion, however, forbids this. Instead, just as with the Christian relation to governmental rulers, the slaves were instructed to show their masters love, try to convert them, and if their Christianity forces them to disobey their masters, they then must willfully accept their punishment. In short, as Paul worded it, Christian slaves must be subject to their masters.
1 Peter 2 and Human Government
In 1 Peter, the apostle Peter wrote a passage similar to Paul’s message to the Roman church:
1 Peter 2:13-14: Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong…
It must first be remembered that Peter, like Paul, constantly disobeyed the “governing authorities.” As stated above, it was Peter who, when asked why he defied the orders given to him, declared:
Acts 5:29: We ought to obey God rather than men.
In 1 Peter, Peter urged submission in the same context in which Paul did in Romans 13: submission to persecution. There is no doubt about it, Peter was writing to a persecuted church; he made this very clear.
1 Peter 1:6: In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.
1 Peter 4:12: Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. 1 Peter 5:8-9: ...Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
Peter advised this persecuted church to meet the evil they were facing with good, echoing Paul’s instructions to the church at Rome. A few verses before Peter’s call for submission, he wrote the following:
1 Peter 2:11-12: Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.
It can be said that Peter cared about the image of the Christians under persecution. Although they were being persecuted, Peter wanted the “pagans” to see the good deeds of the Christians. This is a practical suggestion of how Christians, as Paul worded it in Romans 12, can “overcome evil with good.”
Following Peter’s call for submission in verses 13-14, he provided the reason for such submission in verses 15-16:
1 Peter 2:15-16: For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God.
Peter wrote that Christians should submit themselves to governmental institutions, because if they were to violently resist, then the government would have reason to persecute them. Instead, if Christians are to do only good, the government will have no reason to persecute them. By living good lives, not using “your freedom as a cover-up for evil,” the hypocrisy of the government will be shown, and the church will “silence the ignorant talk of foolish men" (please note, Peter here referred to governmental leaders as ignorant and foolish men).
Rather than violently resisting such persecution, Christians must submit and suffer. What is inferred from Romans 12 and 13, Peter clearly explained:
1 Peter 2:19-23: For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. ...When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats…
1 Peter 3:13-17: Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed… It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. 1 Peter 4:1,12-19: Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude… Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering… But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed… If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal… However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name… Those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
Conclusion
In conclusion, rather than serving as a divine justification for the existence of human government, both Romans 13 and 1 Peter 2 serve as a practical guide as to how Christians should relate to the governmental authorities around them. We are told that government is God’s tool for vengeance. The problem for the Christian today is not necessarily with government per se. The problem lies with the Christian support for government, or in other words, the Christian support for vengeance. Paul instructed the church to have nothing to do with vengeance. Therefore, we should have nothing to do with government. Moses did not help the Pharaoh enslave the Hebrews. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego did not help Nebuchadnezzar enforce his idolatrous policies. Likewise, Christians should not take part in the state by holding office, nor should they give their consent or approval to the state through voting. Ignore the state; put all effort towards leading quiet lives in conformity with the teachings of Jesus (as Peter wrote). By doing this, hopefully evil will be overcome with good (as Paul wrote) and there will be no place for governmental vengeance. If this fails, however, rejoice in the fact that any suffering one is forced to endure will be suffering for doing good, just as Christ experienced (as Peter wrote). This is the Christian’s proper role in relation to human governmental authorities.
http://www.harmlessasdoves.com/romans13.html