Question
Answer!
Submit or Obey to Governing Authorities, Which?
Nab B. November 8, 2021
Question:
What does Romans 13 really say about obeying governing authorities?
Answer:
To understand Romans 13, one needs to examine:
Word definitions in the Greek text.
The context.
The cultural background.
The Explanation will be based on the scriptures. If you have any preconceived ideas and misunderstanding about Romans 13, for now, let them go, and let the passage interprets itself.
Romans 13 Word Usage and Context
Romans 13:1
The word ‘submit’ in this verse comes from the Greek word ‘hupo-tassó’. It means to arrange stuff in an orderly manner underneath. If you check the New Testament Greek Lexicon, it renders it as “a voluntary attitude of giving in; cooperating”.
Why did Paul NOT use the other Greek word, ‘hupa–kouo’, which is best translated as ‘obey’? This word means to conform, follow a command or bend to authority.
The word ‘obey’ is always used in the Greek scriptures in a hierarchical context, as in the relationship between children and parents, slaves and masters. (Ephesians 6:1,5) As Christians, we are NOT asked to obey governments, but asked to submit or better cooperate voluntarily as long as there’s no moral, ethical, or conscientious conflict!
In the New Testament Greek, to ‘submit’ does not always mean to ‘obey’! They are two separate actions. Some examples are listed below:
Paul, Peter, and others didn’t submit to laws conflicting with their consciences but submitted to the authorities' punishments when they had to.
Egyptian Midwives did not submit to Pharaoh’s evil orders whom God protected them!
The Magi didn’t submit to King Herod’s demands as God instructed them in a dream!
Jesus’ words to Herod, “Tell that fox'' were true since the King's reputation for violence, injustice, and immorality was despicable! (Luke 13:32)
Romans 13:2
The word ‘oppose’ or ‘resist’ in Greek is ‘anti–tasso’. This does not mean a simple disagreement or the taking legal action against government officials if need be. The word means: to battle against, to resist, to set oneself against (attacking, assuming battle). The word ‘oppose’ here denotes someone who battles against the government; perhaps by overthrowing it. Of course, Christians are not called to do that! If they do, they might find themselves opposing God himself.
Simply disagreeing with the government, does not amount to opposing God’s arrangement.
Romans 13:4
“For it is God’s minister to you for your good”. This phrase is crucial. Governments that can be cooperated with and respected are those that 'minister for our good' as God intended them to be.
The question is: What if a few in authorities behave in a rogue and wicked manner? What if they pervert justice? One must then examine if any orders or rules are for our “own good” or not as God intended them to do.
Romans 13:5
I ask you, why would Paul bring the matter of conscience when submitting to authorities if this was a command? It's simple: because it's a conscientious matter as Paul said, "for conscience' sake" or personal decision!
Romans 13:6-7
This conscientious matter Paul spoke about was the ‘paying of taxes and tributes’. Although Roman taxes were excessive, perhaps causing some to oppose the authorities, Paul was helping the brothers in Rome, not to make an issue over some governmental rules. Saying this, one cannot apply Romans 13 indiscriminately to all laws and rules! 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 authority or not!
What Jesus Said to Pilate
Some might conclude that since all authorities were given by God, then governments must be obeyed regardless!
Jesus did not obey the ruling authorities of his day but collided with them. Our Saviour was charged as a criminal and a blasphemer. Despite that, Jesus submitted himself to the death penalty, but ONLY in obedience to the will of His Father who granted Pilate the authority to execute Him. If anything, this passage clearly shows that the Greek words for ‘submit’ and ‘obey’ are not synonymous but are two separate actions.
True Christians are not obligated to submit to governmental authority. Obedience is mainly for God and Christ. But believers will readily SUBMIT or cooperate on issues that do not conflict with the will of God, divine principles, and Christian conscience. But if must, a Christian will boldly face the consequences of his moral decisions if they conflict with governing authorities.
“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” (2 Corinthians 3:17)