How does Jeremiah 27:11 connect to Romans 13:1 on authority? Setting the Scene Jeremiah 27:11 and Romans 13:1 were spoken centuries apart, yet both passages affirm that submitting to earthly rulers can be an act of obedience to God’s own sovereign arrangement. Text in Focus “However, any nation that will put its neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon and serve him, I will leave in its own land to till it and to dwell there, declares the LORD.” “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.” Jeremiah’s Immediate Context • Judah faced judgment for persistent sin (Jeremiah 25:8-11). • God raised Nebuchadnezzar to discipline the nations (Jeremiah 27:6). • Submission to Babylon’s yoke was the only path to preservation; resistance meant devastation (Jeremiah 27:8). • Obedience was therefore practical, but more importantly spiritual—recognition that God Himself had installed this foreign ruler. Paul’s Instruction in Romans 13 • Paul writes to believers living under pagan Rome. • “No authority except that which is from God” echoes Daniel 4:17 and John 19:11. • Submission is commanded not because rulers are flawless, but because God’s hand stands behind every seat of power. • The principle safeguards order and testifies to a trust in God’s sovereignty (1 Peter 2:13-15; Titus 3:1). Key Parallels • Same Source: – Jeremiah: God “gave” all lands to Nebuchadnezzar (27:6). – Romans: Authorities “have been appointed by God.” • Same Response Required: – Jeremiah: “Put its neck under the yoke … and serve him.” – Romans: “Submit … to the governing authorities.” • Same Divine Purpose: – Jeremiah: Submission preserves life and land. – Romans: Submission preserves order and opens doors for gospel witness (Romans 13:3-4). • Same Underlying Truth: – Human authority functions only by God’s leave (Proverbs 21:1). Why Submission Can Be an Act of Faith • Acknowledges God’s ultimate rule even when leaders are imperfect. • Demonstrates trust that God can work through—even over—earthly power (Daniel 4:25-26). • Positions believers to receive protection or blessing promised through obedience (Jeremiah 27:11; Romans 13:5). Balancing Submission and Higher Allegiance • Scripture never authorizes disobedience to God (Acts 5:29). • The norm is submission; the exception is civil disobedience when commanded to sin. • Jeremiah himself later opposed Judah’s leaders when they rebelled against Babylon, showing fidelity to God over nationalistic zeal (Jeremiah 38:17-18). Living the Principle Today • Pray for and respect leaders, recognizing God’s sovereignty (1 Timothy 2:1-2). • Obey laws unless they contradict God’s explicit commands. • Trust that God advances His purposes through rulers He appoints, whether for discipline, protection, or the spread of the gospel. |
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