How does Romans 13:1-7 relate to 1 Peter 2:14's teaching on authority? Shared Foundation: God as the Source of Authority • 1 Peter 2:14 – “ …or to governors as sent by Him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right.” • Romans 13:1 – “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.” Both writers ground civil authority in God’s sovereign appointment. Government is not a merely human invention; it operates under divine delegation. Purpose of Government: Punish Evil, Promote Good • 1 Peter 2:14 pinpoints a two-fold task: – “punish those who do wrong” – “praise those who do right” • Romans 13:3-4 mirrors the same design: – “Rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad.” – “He is God’s servant for your good… an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.” The passages reinforce each other: just government restrains wickedness and encourages righteousness. Believer’s Response: Submission for the Lord’s Sake • 1 Peter 2:13 – “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution…” • Romans 13:2 – “Whoever resists authority opposes what God has appointed, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.” Yielding to lawful authority is an act of obedience to God, acknowledging His ordering of society. Practical Expressions of Submission • Romans 13:6-7 – “This is also why you pay taxes… Give to everyone what you owe him: taxes… revenue… respect… honor.” • 1 Peter 2:17 – “Honor everyone, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king.” • Titus 3:1 echoes: “Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work.” Limits of Submission: Obedience to God First • Acts 5:29 – “We must obey God rather than men.” • Examples: Daniel 3; Daniel 6; Revelation 13 show saints refusing commands that violate God’s law. Civil disobedience is warranted only when rulers require sin; even then, believers accept consequences with humility (Acts 5:40-42). Witness through Doing Good • 1 Peter 2:15 – “It is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorance of foolish men.” • Romans 13:3 – “Do what is good, and you will have his approval.” • Matthew 5:16 and Philippians 2:15 add that visible obedience lets the light of Christ shine in a dark world. Practical Takeaways • Obey lawful statutes—from traffic laws to civic regulations. • Pay taxes and fees honestly and promptly. • Speak respectfully of leaders, even when disagreeing. • Use legal channels—voting, petitioning, serving in office—to promote righteousness. • Pray for all in authority (1 Timothy 2:1-2). • If commanded to sin, refuse, trusting God and accepting any penalty with a clear conscience. |
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