In light of recent events in Minnesota and elsewhere regarding the work of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), I have seen many people cite Romans 13:1–7. It is often used as a “trump card” to end any argument. Too often, I think those citing the passage haven’t thought deeply about it or considered its original context. So, I revisited the text to consider again what Paul is actually arguing in the opening verses of chapter 13 in his magisterial letter to the Romans.
The Passage (NIV)
“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong… For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good… Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.
This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.”
The Tension
On the surface, the passage appears quite straightforward: Do what the government tells you, and things will go well. Disobey, and things will go badly.
Could it really be that simple? If it were, so much ink wouldn’t have been spilled over these seven verses. As I sat down with the text and various commentaries, I was struck by a massive tension every interpreter must wrestle with: How could Paul write this when he had personally experienced unjust treatment at the hands of Rome? He knew many other followers of Jesus were also experiencing state-sanctioned injustice. Trying to resolve this tension drives the various ways people seek to understand Paul’s intent. Personally, I wish I could ask him: Was this meant to be prescriptive for all people in all places, or was it specific to the needs of the Roman church at that time?
Note: I won’t walk through every perspective here. If you want to dive deeper, check out the Pillar New Testament Commentary by Colin G. Kruse, Romans by Robert Jewett, or Paul for Everyone by N.T. Wright. The first two are more academic; Wright’s is an accessible summary. I’m not providing a deep exegesis here, but rather a “10,000-foot perspective” to provide a scaffolding for further thought.
A Two-Fold Understanding
I believe the best way to understand this passage today is through two lenses:
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The Necessity of Order: This passage takes seriously the reality that humanity needs government. Anarchy allows the worst aspects of human nature to run unchecked. God, in grace, grants authority to human governments to bring order to society. Even in flawed governments, there is usually some general order that prevents total mayhem.
- Note: Paul’s argument is actually subversive. By saying Rome’s authority comes from God, he is claiming that Caesar is accountable to the Father of Jesus, not the Roman pantheon.
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The Condition of Honor: The final verse offers a conditional statement that frees us from blind subservience to evil. Paul says: “Give to everyone what you owe them… if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.” This protects the believer in two ways:
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Integrity: If the government provides public goods (roads, schools, safety), we owe them our taxes. (This strikes a blow to the “taxes are theft” crowd.)
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Resistance: It opens the door to challenge authority when it acts unjustly. If an authority does not act respectably or honorably, respect and honor are not “owed." We see Paul himself model this in Acts, where he vigorously challenges the authorities after being unjustly arrested.
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Conclusion
Romans 13:1–7 provides the foundation for a healthy understanding of good government and the grounds for a case against bad government. We recognize that authorities are the ideal means by which evil is punished and good rewarded. However, when a government fails to do this—when it wields the “sword” unjustly—our consciences are free to withhold the honor it demands.
In the midst of this, we must hold to the broader principle of Romans 13:8: “Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another.” Love does no harm to a neighbor. If the law or the government causes harm, love becomes the higher fulfillment of the law.