The Scope of Romans 13 - a podcast by Jonathan Michael Jones

Discussions of Romans 13 have arisen significantly considering the vast
manifestations of executive orders that have been offered during the prevalence
of COVID-19. I dare suggest that Romans 13, along with a few other passages and
verses of Scripture, is one of the most misused scriptures in the entire
biblical canon. Submission to authorities is vital to godliness; yet, the scope
of Romans 13 is perhaps not what many understand.

            In the time Paul wrote his letter to
the Romans, government was corrupt and even persecuted Christians. Paul,
however, instructs believers to submit or be subject to the governing
authorities. The Greek word for “be subject” is hupotasso, which literally means to place or rank under. The term
implies an intentional effort. It is similar to what Paul commands believers in
Philippians 2: to have the same mind as Christ Jesus, namely a mind of humility
considering others better (Phil 2:5). These instructions do not mean that one
certainly is less than another person but that Christians are to act as if that
is the case, as Jesus did in his earthly ministry; no greater example of
humility may be found except that of Christ Jesus. To be subject to the
authorities then is to consider the governing bodies God ordained to be higher
in rank.

            Understanding that being subject to
the authorities is an explicit instruction given to God’s people, Romans 13
must be interpreted. Are Paul’s instructions part of a blanket command to
blindly obey the governing authorities, or is the scope narrower? To answer
this question, there are four primary elements to consider. I will examine
these elements here and then determine the scope of Romans 13.

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