Romans 13:1-6, Duties Toward Civil Authority

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Romans 13:1-6 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. 2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 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. 5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. 6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.

In ancient Israel, God’s law provided instruction for civil government, military laws, courts and legal procedure, civil law, criminal law, religious law including national duties and prohibitions and individual conduct, and humane laws pertaining to duties towards persons including widows, neighbours, poor, sojourners, needy and defenceless, slaves and servants, reverence to the aged, to construct battlement, gleanings, sharing offerings and kindness to animals. Israel is to implement God’s law for the governing of the nation under God providing an example to the nations of the world.

A significant part of a citizen’s responsibility is the paying of taxes wherein comes government revenue for the enforcement of law and order in society. A Christian living in any society, the Apostle Paul teaches, must not neglect or evade that God-given duty. He says, “pay ye tribute” and do so continually. Every civil government bears the responsibility vested by God to bring law and order in any society by rewarding good and punishing evil. Citizens are thus protected with peace in the land.

May the Lord help believers to do according to God’s instruction. Amen.