How does Matthew 22:21 relate to Romans 13:1-7 on authority? Context: Two Passages on Authority - Matthew 22:21 and Romans 13:1-7 were spoken into different settings—one during Jesus’ earthly ministry under Roman occupation, the other to believers in the heart of the Roman Empire—but both address the believer’s relationship to civil government. - Both passages assume God’s sovereign rule over all earthly powers and instruct His people to live accordingly. Key Texts Matthew 22:21: “Then He said to them, ‘So render to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.’” Romans 13:1-2: “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.” Romans 13:6-7: “This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who devote themselves to their work. Pay everyone what you owe him: taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue, respect to whom respect, honor to whom honor.” Shared Principles • God delegates real authority to earthly rulers (cf. Daniel 2:21). • Submission to government is part of submission to God. • Paying taxes and material dues is commanded. • Respect and honor are owed, not because rulers are perfect, but because God stands behind the institution. Distinct Emphases • Focuses on the division of spheres: some things belong to Caesar, but ultimate allegiance belongs to God. • Delivered in a situation designed to trap Jesus; His answer highlights wisdom and discernment. • Expands the principle, grounding government’s authority explicitly in God’s ordination. • Describes rulers as “God’s servants” to promote good and restrain evil (vv.3-4). • Provides practical outworking—taxes, respect, honor—in daily life. How Matthew 22:21 Illuminates Romans 13:1-7 - Jesus’ command to give Caesar his due lays the foundation Paul later systematizes: government has legitimate claims on believers. - The phrase “and to God what is God’s” safeguards Paul’s teaching from absolutizing the state; God’s claims are higher. - Together they balance civic duty with ultimate worship, ensuring neither anarchism nor idolatry of the state. Limits to Civil Obedience - When government commands what God forbids or forbids what God commands, believers must obey God (Acts 5:29). - Examples: Hebrew midwives (Exodus 1), Daniel 3 and 6, apostles before the Sanhedrin. - Such disobedience is rare and always respectful, accepting consequences while honoring God. Practical Implications • Pay taxes promptly and honestly. • Speak of leaders with respect, even in disagreement (1 Peter 2:13-17; Titus 3:1-2). • Pray for rulers (1 Timothy 2:1-2). • Engage in lawful avenues for change—voting, petitioning—recognizing God’s providence over outcomes. • Maintain clear allegiance to God: worship, moral standards, and gospel witness are never negotiable. Living It Out - Start each decision by asking, “Does this belong to Caesar or to God?” - Support civic order where it aligns with righteousness; stand graciously yet firmly where it does not. - Trust that the same Lord who appoints rulers also overrules them for His purposes (Proverbs 21:1). |
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