It would be really easy to read today’s passage and come away thinking that we are all called to live in silence accepting that every decision made by a government is a good one. Or that every government or national leader makes all the right decisions for the people they govern. But let’s not be misled by thinking that Paul was suggesting we should all surrender to evil when it pops up its ugly head.
There are several places where Paul turned to the authorities for help. In Acts 16 he declared that his citizenship as a Roman made him exempt from flogging. In Acts 23 he asked the Romans to protect him when he was arrested by his own people and he appealed to Caesar in Acts 25 for justice when his life was threatened. Equally as we read in v.3 “Rulers hold no terror for those who do right” a statement that implies rulers know what is right and what is not. It can therefore be argued that if the rulers misuse their God given authority they too can be held to account.
We must always remember that while Paul says all authorities are in place because God has given them power and authority to rule, God does not endorse evil. That is not in His nature. Should mankind, therefore, acquiesce to a despot or tyrant - by no means! Should we submit to an authority that is endeavouring to maintain civility and order then the answer must be - by all means! Should we challenge an evil regime - I cannot imagine Paul saying ‘No take it on the chin’ but equally if we ask ‘would he endorse a violent uprising that causes death and destruction’ I think he answers that question in verse 9.
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Questions:
Can you think of places around the world where governments or authorities have misused their power? What is your response to their activities? What can you do to help the suffering or oppressed?
Prayer:
Lord God, we ask that You would move in all those in positions of power. Fill them with Your Holy Spirit Lord, bless them with wisdom and a deep sense of justice. Pour Your endless love over them and grant them peace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.