How does Acts 22:28 connect to Romans 13:1 about respecting authority? Setting the Scene in Acts 22:28 • “ ‘I paid a high price for my citizenship,’ said the commander. ‘But I was born a citizen,’ Paul replied.” (Acts 22:28) • Paul has just been seized in Jerusalem. Before the Roman tribune can flog him, Paul quietly states that he is a Roman citizen—an important legal status in the first century. • The exchange halts the beating and forces the officers to follow proper legal procedures. Paul’s Respect for Authority on Display • Paul does not curse or resist the officers; he calmly invokes the protections that Roman law affords him. • By appealing to the law, Paul acknowledges the legitimacy of Roman authority. • He uses lawful means rather than violence or rebellion, illustrating respect within the system God has allowed to exist. Romans 13:1 – Paul’s Instruction under the Same Authority • “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God.” (Romans 13:1) • Written a few years after the events in Acts, Paul instructs believers to see governmental structures as God-ordained. • Submission here includes obedience, payment of taxes (Romans 13:6–7), and prayer for rulers (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Connecting the Two Passages • Acts 22:28 is Paul living out what he later writes in Romans 13:1. – He honors the governing body by following its legal channels. – He expects the authorities to honor their own law—showing that respect is mutual, not blind. • Paul demonstrates that submission to authority does not erase legitimate rights; it means using those rights rightly. • The scene reveals a balanced view: neither anarchy nor servile fear, but lawful, confident engagement with the state. Principles We Can Apply Today • Respect civil authorities because God ultimately established them. • Use legal avenues—voting, appeals, due process—rather than unlawful revolt. • Expect authorities to uphold justice, and hold them accountable by lawful means. • Keep a clear conscience: obey God first (Acts 5:29) yet honor the state whenever obedience to God is not compromised. Supporting Scriptures • Matthew 22:21 – “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” • 1 Peter 2:13-17 – “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority.” • Titus 3:1 – “Remind the believers to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient.” • Acts 4:19-20 – When commanded to stop preaching, Peter and John respectfully but firmly obey God rather than men. Living Out Respect for Authority • Pray regularly for local, national, and global leaders. • Pay taxes honestly and promptly. • Follow laws even when no one is watching—speed limits, permits, workplace regulations. • Speak respectfully about leaders, even when disagreeing. • Engage civically: vote, attend community meetings, write representatives, always with a gracious tone. |
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