How can Romans 13:3 be connected to 1 Peter 2:13-14? Romans 13:3—Backdrop of Authority “For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval.” • Authority is portrayed as God’s tool to discourage evil and applaud good. • Fear is reserved for the wrongdoer, not the law-abiding citizen. • The verse assumes that civil structures are divinely ordered and literally function for moral restraint. 1 Peter 2:13-14—A Parallel Mandate “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right.” • Submission is commanded “for the Lord’s sake,” grounding civic obedience in worship. • The same two-fold purpose appears: punish evil, praise good. • Peter links local governors to the overarching sovereignty of God, echoing Paul’s view. Shared Divine Blueprint 1. God institutes government (Romans 13:1; 1 Peter 2:13). 2. Government’s dual task: – Punish wrongdoing (Romans 13:4; 1 Peter 2:14). – Commend righteousness (Romans 13:3; 1 Peter 2:14). 3. Believers respond with active goodness, not mere compliance (Romans 13:3b; 1 Peter 2:15). Motives for Obedience • Protection: Good conduct removes “terror” (Romans 13:3). • Witness: Submission silences ignorance (1 Peter 2:15). • Conscience: We obey not just to avoid wrath but to honor God (Romans 13:5). Supporting Threads Across Scripture • Titus 3:1—“Remind them… to be obedient, ready for every good work.” • Jeremiah 29:7—Seek the welfare of the city; its peace becomes ours. • Proverbs 24:21-22—Fear the Lord and the king; rebellion invites ruin. • Acts 5:29—When rulers command sin, “We must obey God rather than men.” (The lone exception proves the rule.) Practical Outworking Today • Pay taxes and fees willingly (Romans 13:6-7). • Respect officials with both speech and attitude (Exodus 22:28; 1 Peter 2:17). • Practice visible good works—honesty, neighbor-love, civic engagement—so authorities have reason to “praise” rather than punish. • Appeal lawfully when rights are violated (Acts 22:25), always maintaining a submissive spirit. Why the Connection Matters Seeing Paul and Peter in harmony affirms the literal reliability of Scripture and clarifies that civic submission isn’t a mere social convention; it is a God-ordained avenue for restraining evil, advancing good, and showcasing the gospel before a watching world. |
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