How does Daniel 6:12 connect to Romans 13:1 on obeying authorities? Setting the Scene in Daniel 6:12 “Then they approached the king and asked, ‘Did you not sign an edict that for thirty days any man who petitions any god or man except you, O king, will be thrown into the den of lions?’ The king replied, ‘The decree stands, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed.’ ” • Daniel’s opponents appeal to a binding civic law. • The king affirms that the law is irreversible, underscoring governmental authority. • Daniel’s faithful prayer life (v.10) is already in direct conflict with this law. Romans 13:1 in Focus “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been appointed by God.” • Government is portrayed as God-ordained. • Submission is the default posture for believers. • Paul writes under Roman rule, not a theocracy—making the call to obedience even more striking. Points of Connection • Divine Source of Authority – Romans 13:1: All authority “from God.” – Daniel 6:12: The irrevocable Medo-Persian law ultimately exists under God’s sovereign oversight (cf. Daniel 2:21). • Call to Respect Human Law – Romans: “Be subject.” – Daniel: Daniel usually serves with excellence under pagan kings (Daniel 6:3). • Moment of Conflict – Both passages acknowledge that human laws can clash with God’s commands (cf. Acts 5:29). – Daniel obeys God when a decree directly forbids worship; Paul later experienced similar tensions (Acts 25:8-11). When Obedience Meets Conflict • Scripture never licenses anarchy; it recognizes rare, clear moments to practice civil disobedience when: – Human law explicitly prohibits obedience to God (Daniel 6:10; Acts 4:19-20). – Compliance would force direct sin (Exodus 1:17). • Even then, believers: – Maintain respect for governing officials (Daniel speaks courteously to Darius). – Accept consequences without revolt (Daniel allows arrest; cf. 1 Peter 2:19-20). Guidelines for Today’s Believer • Submit wherever possible—pay taxes, honor leaders, pray for them (Romans 13:6-7; 1 Timothy 2:1-2). • Disobey only when a mandate clearly contradicts God’s explicit commands (Matthew 22:21 balanced with Acts 5:29). • Display unwavering integrity—Daniel’s enemies could find no corruption in him except “concerning the law of his God” (Daniel 6:5). • Trust God with outcomes; He is able to deliver (Daniel 6:22) or sustain through suffering (2 Timothy 4:17-18). Takeaway Daniel 6:12 shows a faithful servant caught between divine command and human decree. Romans 13:1 affirms that God stands behind every earthly authority. Together they teach: honor rulers as God’s servants, yet reserve ultimate allegiance for the Lord, even when that loyalty proves costly. |
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