Romans 13:1 reads, “Let every soul be in subjection to the higher powers; for there is no power but of God, and the powers that be are ordained of God.”
God is mindful of all His creation. He is particularly mindful of man whom He made in His image and to whom the rest of the world has been made subject. God knew that He made man to be a free moral agent with ability to choose to whom he would subject himself. God also knew that many people would injure, steal, and lie to other men, and that such self-willed action would have to be restrained so that those obedient to law could live in a peaceful way. God thus ordained men and government to have authority to restrain those who walk in a rebellious way to make it possible for “law-abiding” citizens to live in peace. This is the thrust of this first section of Romans 13.
God assures us that government is ordained of God (v. 1); that those who are lawless and resist authority can expect punishment for their disobedience (v. 2). The design of “higher powers” is to punish the lawless, not to be a terror to those who would do good (v. 3). In such functions Paul calls these men “a minister of God to those for good” (v. 4). Christians are to be in subjection not only because of wrath (punishment which comes to those who violate the law), but also for “conscience’ sake” because God will also punish those who violate law. But of course, just as a man can violate a law designed for his and his neighbors’ good, so law keepers can use law to his own interest and twist it to the hurt of the citizens whose wellbeing law keepers are supposed to a blessing. We must not apply Paul’s instructions to be “in subjection to higher powers” to be without exception. Many first century Christians were punished because “the powers that be” sought to compel them to call the ruler of the world “Lord,” which Christians could not do.
In order that government might function for those under its rule it was necessary that at least two distasteful things (to some) be implemented. First, government must have the right to inflict punishment upon those who violate its laws. Such punishment might range from small fines to imprisonment to putting the law breaker to death. Some, who recognize the necessity of punishment for the law breaker from light fines to even long-term imprisonment, think a death penalty is too much. They agree even with a lifetime imprisonment, but would abolish any sentence which calls for the death of the transgressor. They err in their conviction. When Noah exited the ark, God instructed him in regard to law breakers, saying, “Whosoever sheddeth man’s blood, by man’s hands shall his blood be shed” (Genesis 9:6). God’s attitude toward the murderer has not changed. He inspired Paul to write, “… he is a minister to thee for good. But, if thou doest what is evil, be afraid; for he bearer not the sword in vain; for he is a minister of God, an avenger for wrath to him that doeth evil” (Romans 13:4). By these words God gave His stamp of approval for the execution of the criminal (Romans 13:5).
Not only does civil government have the right to inflict punishment; but its goverance for the benefit of its subjects requires funds. God has authorized government to tax its subjects to provide those benefits. Jesus’ words, “Render to Caesar to things which be Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s” (Matthew 22:21) are still true and Christians must comply if we want to please God. In agreement with that, Paul wrote, “For, for this cause ye pay tribute also; for they are ministers of God’s service, attending continually upon this very thing. Render to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor” (Romans 13:6-7).
Human government is never perfect, but as imperfect as it is, it is a great deal better than having no government at all.
Jim McDonald