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(1) 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. (2) Therefore whoever
resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will
bring judgment on themselves. (3) 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. (4) 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. (5) Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but
also for conscience' sake. (6) For because of this you also pay taxes, for they
are God's ministers attending continually to this very thing. (7) Render
therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom
customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor. New
King James Version Change your email Bible version
In verse 2, Paul mentions "the ordinance of God." God's ordinance states His
will, and He clearly establishes civil government. Therefore, we are responsible
for obeying civil authority also, for in doing so we are obeying God. These
verses do not imply that we must always obey civil government. Other verses show
that we must obey it as long as the civil authority does not contradict God's
laws. In verses 3-4, Paul comes close to stating that the civil authority
somewhat parallels the Old Testament "avenger of blood."
In verses 5-7, God extends our responsibilities to submit to government as a
means to keep our consciences clear, as well as to pay taxes, not only so the
state can afford to employ these civil servants of God, but also to submit to
community customs regarding them and even to give them honor.
These seven verses show three general reasons why humans must be governed.
First, law-abiding citizens must be protected. Paul's life was saved in Acts 21:30-32 when Roman soldiers stepped in to save him
from the murderous intent of angry Jews. Second, evildoers must be restrained.
Third, the general welfare is promoted by helping to establish peace.
In I Timothy 2:1-3, Paul commands us to pray that this function
is carried out.
— John W. Ritenbaugh
To learn more, see:
Fully Accepting God's Sovereignty (Part
Four)
Related Topics:
Avenger of Blood
Civil Law
Conscience
Fully Accepting God's Sovereignty
Government
Honor the King
Satan's Authority
Submitting to Authority
Submitting to Government
Taxes
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