As you know, Dietrich Bonhoeffer was arrested and subsequently hanged because he was part of a plot to assassinate Hitler. Bearing the sword, in order to execute justice, is a proper duty of human governments.. This prayer principle also applies to the election of our leaders. Bible Prophecy, Bible Studies, Videos, Articles, & Much Much More! Authorities (authority) (1849) (exousia) which Vine says evolved "from the meaning of "leave or permission," or liberty of doing as one pleases, it passed to that of "the ability or strength with which one is endued," then to that of the "power of authority," the right to exercise power or "the power of rule or government," the power of one whose will and commands must be obeyed by others. It speaks of soldiers marshaled in military order under a commanding officer. Paul here explains that there would not be any human authority if God did not permit it. He vehemently opposed the Nazification of all Protestant churches and was a sharp critic of Nazi policies. (1Pe 2:12-note 1Pe 2:13-15-note), Harrison - Submission to authority was characteristic of the Lord's behavior, since the state was understood to be God's provision for human safety and well-being. In relation to a properly assigned authority tasso means = be instituted, be appointed, be established (as here in Ro 13:1). In Mexico they used to do it by the process of revolution -- you never could change the government there without a revolution. Ordinance (1296) (diatage from diatásss - see here for important discussion = arrange thoroughly, appoint, command, set in order) refers to an order, a disposition or an ordinance. 13). (Acts 4:15-18), Scripture is clear: regardless of the authority of the earthly power, the believer’s first responsibility is to Yahuwah. In Context Parallel Compare. In this section Paul tells us how the citizens of the Kingdom of God are to relate to human kingdoms and governments, so that we can be the kind of citizens and "lighthouses" (cf Mt 5:16) God wants us to be. You can suffer in silence. Moreover, Paul may have also been concerned about the possible influence of a group of Jews known as Zealots, (or here) who held a revolutionary attitude toward the government of Rome. We know much less about what God says about the state and how we should relate to it. (Adapted from Word Study by Kenneth Wuest), Another interesting derivative word is epitasso - which is translated "commands" in Mark 1:27 (And they were all amazed, so that they debated among themselves, saying, “What is this? First (13:1) Paul states that every person is to be subject to the governing authorities, because God is the sovereign who ordains all human governments. Scripture is clear: regardless of the authority of the earthly power, the believer’s first responsibility is to Yahuwah. be subject unto the higher powers—or, "submit himself to the authorities that are above him." For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:19, 20). For there is no authority except from God [by His permission, His sanction], and those that exist do so by God’s appointment. What does romans 13:1 - 2 mean? Ecclesiastes 12:13 summarizes the duty of man: “Let us hear the end of all: fear Eloah and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.” (1599 Geneva Bible) The soul’s primary responsibility is to the Creator. a. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? 13 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. This indisposition (as far as it was peculiar) arose from the prevailing impression among them, that this subjection was unlawful, or at least highly derogatory to their character as the people of God, who had so long lived under a theocracy. Then (Ro 13:3-4) Paul explains that the purpose of civil government is to protect law-abiding citizens and punish law-breakers. In the course of it, St. Paul and St. Peter were martyred. Every (3956) (pas) means "all" without exception. Henry Morris - See also I Peter 2:13-17. Pr 8:15 “By Me kings reign, and rulers decree justice.16 “By Me princes rule, and nobles, all who judge rightly. In a message delivered at Oxford University in 1898, the British theologian Robert L. Ottley observed: "The Old Testament may be studied … as an instructor in social righteousness. Acts 22:10 "And I said, 'What shall I do, Lord?' (1Pe 2:13-17-note), Comment: Note there are 4 commands in this section. It is clear that this passage (Romans 13:1, Romans 13:2) is applicable to men living under every form of government, monarchical, aristocratical, or democratical, in all their various modifications. do … What should you do? (The Government and You) (See Cole's related updated sermon - Christ- Lord of our Politics). Both the Old and New Testament present illustrations of believers whose earthly role placed them in civil service, and they were useful to God there. It was a question, therefore, constantly agitated among them, "Is it lawful to pay tribute unto Caesar, or not?" 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. All rights reserved), In God we trust, let others trust their rulers, For this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are Yah's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Is it wrong to use force to resist an aggressor?” So Paul shows that it is proper for the government to protect law-abiding citizens and to punish evildoers. The history of the Jews at this period shows how great was the effect produced by these and similar causes on their feelings towards the Roman government. Young's Literal: Let every soul to the higher authorities be subject, for there is no authority except from God, and the authorities existing are appointed by God, Modified from Irving L. Jensen's excellent work "Jensen's Survey of the NT". It is a principle of righteousness that the law of Yahuwah is never to be broken in order to obey human laws. For example, Jeroboam, who rebelled against Solomon’s son, Rehoboam, subsequently set up false gods and a false worship center so that his people would not go to Jerusalem. He is Unseen Hand at work in the nations of the world. Indeed this is how some Christians interpreted this passage in Nazi Germany despite Germany’s despicable treatment of the Jews. That rejection of authority brings painful judgment. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. You watch with growing horror as he begins systematically exterminating the Jews. Whatever the persons in authority over us themselves may be, yet the just … Yahuwah has never commanded anyone to obey human law in violation of divine law. Are refusing to obey human laws laws that are above him. all in authority over you asking a! Mistreat us to do it by the renewing of your heart to it. ' - this is a we. The superior authorities have a blanket license to hate or kill the burning of Rome to file. A matter has been ordered or commanded and was a military term referring to the authority. shall. 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