Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.
Romans 13:1

This is an amazing instruction. It was given through the Apostle Paul, who would himself later be executed at the command of the Emperor Nero, to whom Paul commanded the Christians to submit, obey, and honor. It was written in his letter to the Christians in the city of Rome, so there’s no question about whether Christians are to honor and be in submission to ungodly authorities as well as the ones who agree with us.

Paul goes on to explain how government is supposed to work. The authorities are placed in position by God Himself, to punish evildoers and encourage and promote good behavior.

Of course, it doesn’t always work the way it should. Sometimes we find ourselves living under an authority that punishes good behavior and rewards and promotes evil behavior. The authority at that point is out of line with its chain of command.

The Greek word “submit” here (hypostasis) means to “stand under;” it means we stand under their covering and protection, we receive and obey whatever directions and commands they give - unless those commands are contrary to the higher authority under which they are supposed to operate. Submission means that when we find we must choose to disobey them, we accept the consequences of doing so. In that case, we are respectfully disobeying and respectfully submitting at the same time.

Then Paul adds this observation: “Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed.”(Romans 13:11)

If the authority over me becomes evil and must be respectfully disobeyed, and I am to suffer the consequences of choosing to disobey for the Lord’s sake, then the suffering that results is acceptable, because my salvation is closer every day; I’m going to heaven.

Lord, thank you for choosing and placing over me the authority needed to accomplish Your purpose in my life and in History. Help me to discern by the light of Your Word between right and wrong, good and evil, and give me the strength by Your Holy Spirit to live in proper submission to Your order, for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

Pastor Dan Giles