Romans 13:1-2 | What does the Bible say about obeying authority?

Bible Drills | High School

What We Believe
Blue | Question 7

What does the Bible say about obeying authority?

Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
Romans 13:1-2



Taken out of context, these verses could be used to suppress individuals under an ungodly, ruthless, dictatorship. However, we have the rest of the chapter, along with other Scripture to compare.

What is the purpose of the human, higher powers?

3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: 4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.

The rulershigher powers, are to be a terror to the evilto execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.

Therefore, he or she that resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

Why? Because they are those who do that which is evil.

Just as we are to obey parents and obey God, we are to do that which is good to those appointed over us, so that we shalt have praise of the same

Thus, according to Scripture, we need rulers who are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. And souls who are subject unto the higher powers, and do that which is good.

No comments:

Post a Comment