Governing Authorities
Theological Definition
Scripture teaches that civil authorities have a real role in public order and that people should generally respect and submit to them. Romans grounds this in God’s oversight of human society and links it to practical duties like taxes and honor. The Bible also contains narratives of faithful resistance when rulers demand disobedience to God, so discussions often center on limits and exceptions.
Key Occurrences in Romans
17Repay no one evil for evil. Respect what is honorable in the sight of all men.
18If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men.
1Let every soul be in subjection to the higher authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those who be are ordained by God.
2Therefore he who resists the authority, withstands the ordinance of God; and those who withstand will receive to themselves judgment.
3For rulers are not a terror to the good work, but to the evil. Do you desire to have no fear of the authority? Do that which is good, and you will have praise from the same,
4for he is a servant of God to you for good. But if you do that which is evil, be afraid, for he doesn`t bear the sword in vain; for he is a minister of God, an avenger for wrath to him who does evil.
5Therefore you need to be in subjection, not only because of the wrath, but also for conscience` sake.
6For this reason you also pay taxes, for they are ministers of God`s service, attending continually on this very thing.
7Give therefore to everyone what you owe: taxes to whom taxes are due; customs to whom customs; respect to whom respect; honor to whom honor.
8Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.
9For the commandments, "You shall not commit adultery," "You shall not murder," "You shall not steal," "You shall not give false testimony," "You shall not covet," and whatever other commandments there are, are all summed up in this saying, namely, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."
10Love doesn`t harm his neighbor. Love therefore is the fulfillment of the law.
1Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
2Let each one of us please his neighbor for that which is good, to be building him up.