Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the New Testament, the city of Rome held significant influence as the epicenter of the Roman Empire, a vast and powerful political entity that governed much of the known world during the time of early Christianity. The relationship between Christians and Roman authorities is a recurring theme in the New Testament, particularly concerning the duty of believers to obey magistrates and governing authorities.The Apostle Paul addresses this issue directly in his Epistle to the Romans, a letter written to the Christian community in Rome. In Romans 13:1-7 , Paul provides a foundational teaching on the Christian's responsibility to submit to governmental authorities: "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the one in authority? Then do what is right, and you will have his approval. For he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not carry the sword in vain. He is God’s servant, an agent of retribution to the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to authority, not only to avoid punishment but also as a matter of conscience. 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 is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due." Paul's exhortation emphasizes that all authority is established by God, and thus, obedience to such authority is a reflection of obedience to God Himself. This passage underscores the belief that civil authorities serve a divine purpose in maintaining order and justice, acting as God's servants for the good of society. The Apostle Peter echoes this sentiment in his first epistle, urging believers to submit to every human institution for the Lord's sake. In 1 Peter 2:13-14 , he writes: "Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to the king as the supreme authority, or to governors as those sent by him to punish evildoers and praise well-doers." Peter's instruction aligns with Paul's teaching, reinforcing the idea that submission to authority is an act of obedience to God, who ordains such structures for the benefit of humanity. However, the New Testament also acknowledges the potential for conflict between divine and human mandates. In Acts 5:29 , when the apostles are commanded by the Sanhedrin to cease preaching in the name of Jesus, Peter and the other apostles respond, "We must obey God rather than men." This highlights the principle that while Christians are called to respect and obey earthly authorities, their ultimate allegiance is to God, and His commands take precedence when there is a direct conflict. The early Christians navigated a complex relationship with Roman authorities, balancing their duty to obey magistrates with their commitment to the teachings of Christ. This dynamic is evident in the lives of early Christian martyrs who, while respectful of Roman law, chose to suffer persecution rather than renounce their faith. In summary, the New Testament provides a framework for understanding the Christian's duty to obey magistrates within the broader context of divine sovereignty and moral responsibility. The teachings of Paul and Peter affirm the legitimacy of governmental authority while recognizing the supremacy of God's law in guiding the believer's conduct. Nave's Topical Index Romans 13:1Let every soul be subject to the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Nave's Topical Index Library Rome, Socinus, Arminius, Calvin. part iv. The First Epistle General of Peter The Pilgrim Fathers The Pilgrim Fathers. The Image of the Beast. Acts XVIII The Reward of the Righteous "Thou Shalt Honor Thy Father and Thy Mother. " Of the Scenic Plays, the Celebration of which the Gods have ... Resources What is the significance of the Roman Empire in biblical history? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Herod Agrippa II? | GotQuestions.org Was Saint Peter the first pope? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Rome: Exhorted Humility, Love, and Good Works Rome: God's Judgment Against all Sin Rome: God's Supreme Power Over Everyone Rome: Jews Excluded From, by Claudius Caesar Rome: Justification by Faith in Jesus Christ Rome: Paul Desires to Preach In Rome: Paul Testifies the Gospel of Christ to Them Rome: Paul's Letter to the Christians In Rome: Requested to Greet Various Brethren Rome: The Condemnation of the Gentiles Rome: The Condemnation of the Jews Rome: The Righteousness the Law and of Faith Rome: The Works of the Flesh and the Spirit Related Terms |
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