Romans 13 in Context: Submission, Resistance, and Christian Duty

Over the past two blog posts, we examined Romans 12—Paul’s call for believers to be living sacrifices, transformed by the renewing of their minds. He commands us to abhor evil, honor one another, and overcome evil with good. These principles lay the foundation for how Christians engage the world, including their relationship to governing authorities.

Now, in Romans 13:1-7, we encounter one of the most debated passages in Scripture—Paul’s teaching on submission to government:

“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.” (Romans 13:1)

Throughout history, this passage has been used to argue both for obedience to government and for resisting tyranny. Was Paul advocating blind submission to rulers, even corrupt ones? Or was he establishing a framework for discerning righteous authority?

This question is not just theoretical—it is urgent. In today’s world, Christians struggle to navigate their dual citizenship—citizens of heaven and citizens of earthly nations. Do we submit? Do we resist? How do we engage a fallen world while remaining faithful to Christ?

The answers cannot come from personal preference or political ideology—they must be grounded in the Word of God.

In this post, we will examine Romans 13 in its full biblical context, answering critical questions:

✔️ What does it mean that governing authorities are "ordained by God"?✔️ Does submission to government mean blind obedience?✔️ When is resistance biblically justified?✔️ How do we balance submission with obedience to God?

Let’s take an honest look at Romans 13 and discover what it truly means to honor God in our relationship with governing authorities.

Understanding Romans 13: Submission, Resistance, and God’s Order

Romans 13:1

“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.”

As we dive into this text, it’s crucial to remember that Paul’s letter to the Romans was not originally divided into chapters. The chapter divisions, while useful for reference, can sometimes mislead us into thinking that a new chapter introduces an entirely new idea. Romans 13 is one of the most striking examples of this problem.

If we isolate this passage from Romans 12, we might mistakenly conclude that Paul is issuing an unconditional command for Christians to obey all civil authorities, no matter what. But this interpretation does not align with the full counsel of Scripture, nor does it account for Paul’s own life and ultimate fate under the Roman government.

In fact, Romans 13 flows directly from Romans 12, where Paul calls believers to:

Bless those who persecute you
Refrain from repaying evil for evil
Live peaceably with all men when possible
Leave vengeance to God
Overcome evil with good

This sets the context for Paul’s discussion on governing authorities. His goal is not to declare governments infallible but to show how believers should conduct themselves within a broken world—honoring God’s order while never compromising their faith.

What Does It Mean That Authorities Are "Ordained by God"?

"Paul’s words affirm that all authority is ultimately under God, but they do not excuse governments that act wickedly. Throughout Scripture, we see that when rulers defy God’s law, His faithful servants must obey Him rather than men."

God is Sovereign Over All Authority
- No ruler comes to power apart from God’s providence. Whether righteous or wicked, they serve a purpose in His grand design.
- This does not mean that every ruler is godly or that their actions are justified. It simply means that God, in His sovereignty, allows governments to exist for order, justice, and the restraint of evil (Romans 13:3-4).
Government is Part of God’s Created Order
- Just as God established the family and the church, He also ordained civil government to maintain order in society.
- This does not mean every individual ruler or policy reflects His will, but that the institution of government itself serves a divine purpose.
Scripture Shows Us That Not All Governments Act Justly
- Pharaoh ordered the killing of Hebrew infants, yet the midwives disobeyed and were blessed by God (Exodus 1:15-21).
- King Nebuchadnezzar commanded worship of a golden image, but Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused and were delivered by God (Daniel 3).
- King Darius signed a decree banning prayer to God, but Daniel continued to pray and was saved from the lion’s den (Daniel 6).
- The Jewish leaders commanded the apostles to stop preaching in Jesus’ name, but Peter and John boldly replied, “We ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).
- Paul himself was executed by the same Roman government he tells the church to submit to.

If Romans 13 meant absolute submission to government, then these acts of defiance would have been sinful. Clearly, they were not.

What Does Romans 13:2 Mean?

Romans 13:2

“Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.”

Taken out of context, this verse seems to say anyone who resists government is resisting God Himself and will be condemned. This is exactly how tyrants have used it to justify absolute submission.

But if that were the case, then Moses, Elijah, Daniel, the Apostles, and even Jesus Himself would be guilty of resisting God’s ordinance. This cannot be what Paul means.

Instead, Paul is describing the general principle that resisting lawful authority leads to consequences. If you break the law, you face judgment—whether from the government or from God. But not all resistance is unlawful or ungodly.

This is why Romans 13 must be read in context with Romans 12:

Paul has just commanded believers not to take personal vengeance (Romans 12:19).
Instead of vigilante justice, believers are to trust God’s judgment and the proper channels of justice.
This does not mean governments are infallible, but that believers should strive to live peaceably and work within the system whenever possible.

Does Romans 13 Teach Unlimited Submission?

Absolutely not. The entirety of Scripture demonstrates that while God ordains governments, they are still accountable to His law.

When Must Christians Disobey Government?

When the government commands what God forbids (Daniel 3:18 – The fiery furnace).
When the government forbids what God commands (Acts 5:29 – The apostles preaching Jesus).
When government ceases to fulfill its God-ordained role (Romans 13:3-4 – Government should reward good and punish evil, not the reverse).

Submission does not mean complicity in evil.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer resisted Hitler and was executed for it.
The Founding Fathers of America saw resistance to tyranny as obedience to God.
Christians in persecuted nations today defy unjust laws to gather and worship.

There is a difference between submission to government as an institution and obedience to every law, no matter how wicked.

Why Paul Includes This in Romans

Paul’s teaching on government is not about blind obedience but about order, justice, and Christian witness.

Remember what Paul has just commanded in Romans 12:

Bless those who persecute you.
Do not repay evil for evil.
Live peaceably when possible.
Leave vengeance to God.
Overcome evil with good.

Now, in Romans 13, Paul is instructing how this applies to civil authority.

Christians should not be known as lawless rebels but as people of peace and integrity.
We should respect government’s role in restraining evil, but never at the cost of violating God’s law.
We trust God’s sovereignty over nations and rulers, knowing that He will judge them in His time.

As we move deeper into this passage, we will explore the purpose of government, the role of justice, and the Christian’s responsibility in an age of moral and political turmoil. The question is not “Should we submit to government?” but rather, “How do we live faithfully under imperfect governments while keeping our ultimate allegiance to Christ?”

Stay with me as we continue to unpack Romans 13—because understanding this passage rightly is one of the most important challenges facing believers today.

The Responsibility of Rulers: Authority Paired with Justice

Romans 13:3

“For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same.”

Paul presents an ideal of civil government—a system that punishes evil and rewards good. However, as history and experience show, governments do not always fulfill this role properly. In this verse, Paul is not giving a universal statement about all rulers at all times but defining the purpose and role of government as God intends it to be.

Authority Always Comes with Responsibility

Throughout Scripture, we see that wherever God establishes authority, He also establishes accountability. Authority is never absolute, and every institution must function according to God’s moral order.

Consider the three primary institutions that God has ordained:

The Family
The Church
The Government

Each of these has a God-given structure, and each has a responsibility that accompanies its authority.

1. Husbands and Wives

Ephesians 5:22 instructs wives to submit to their husbands. But this authority is not without accountability. In verse 25, husbands are commanded to love their wives as Christ loved the church.

Christ’s love for the church was sacrificial—He gave His very life.
A husband’s leadership is not tyranny; it is a burden of responsibility to serve, protect, and nurture his family.

A man who abuses his authority is not following God’s design. The responsibility to love sacrificially tempers the authority to lead.

2. Parents and Children

Children are commanded to honor their parents (Exodus 20:12), and Ephesians 6:1 reiterates that children should obey their parents in the Lord. But this is not a blank check for parental tyranny:

Fathers are explicitly warned not to provoke their children to wrath (Ephesians 6:4).
Parents are expected to raise their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord—not through abuse, neglect, or authoritarian cruelty.

Again, authority is balanced by responsibility.

3. Masters and Servants

In biblical times, servants were instructed to work diligently as unto the Lord (Colossians 3:22-23). However, masters were also warned:

They were reminded that they too have a Master in heaven (Colossians 4:1).
God is no respecter of persons (Ephesians 6:9)—meaning authority does not give a person intrinsic superiority over others.

In every case, power is given to fulfill a duty, not for selfish gain.

The Role of Government in God’s Order

Now, let’s return to Romans 13:3. Paul describes rulers as not being a terror to good works, but to evil. This is not a statement about all governments as they exist in a fallen world, but about what government is supposed to be in God’s design.

A righteous government punishes evildoers and protects the innocent.
A corrupt government does the opposite—protecting evildoers and punishing the righteous.

This verse serves as a benchmark for evaluating whether a government is fulfilling its role.

Do Our Leaders Terrorize Evil—or Reward It?

For years, I was involved in local and state-level politics, and this passage was always on my mind. I would meet with candidates and ask them about this passage of scripture:

“How do you think Paul would define evil?”

Most would give an answer that aligned with God’s definition—murder, theft, corruption, injustice. Then, I would follow up with this question:

“How do you define evil?”

When I get to this question, it is remarkable how consistent the response is. They break eye contact, furrow their brow, think for a few moments, and say they would define it the same way.

“If elected, how will you be a terror to evil?”

Every time I asked this, I was met with silence.

It’s easy to give lip service to morality, but few leaders are actually willing to stand against evil. Why?

Because we no longer abhor evil as a culture (Romans 12:9).
Because many politicians value power more than principle.
Because we fear the consequences of standing against corruption.
Because being a citizen requires more than most of us are prepared to give.

A government that refuses to be a terror to evil is no longer fulfilling its God-given role.

What Happens When Government Fails in Its Role?

When Paul says rulers are not a terror to good works but to evil, he is not claiming that all governments function this way. Rather, he is setting forth the biblical standard.

When governments punish the righteous and reward the wicked, they have abandoned their ordained purpose.
When they legislate immorality, crush religious freedom, or persecute believers, they cease to be ministers of God for our good.

This is why blind submission to government is not what Paul is advocating in Romans 13.

The early church was persecuted because they refused to submit to wicked rulers.
The American colonists resisted tyranny because they saw it as their duty before God and God bless the nation they founded.
Bonhoeffer and the Confessing Church resisted the Nazis, recognizing that obedience to Christ came before obedience to the state.

A ruler who upholds justice and punishes evil should be honored and obeyed. But a ruler who embraces corruption and persecutes righteousness is operating outside of God’s design.

The Consequence of a Nation That No Longer Abhors Evil

Paul’s words in Romans 12:9 give a clear command:

“Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.”

When a culture stops abhorring evil, it will no longer produce leaders willing to stand against it.

Our government refuses to be a terror to evil because our people no longer abhor it.
Instead of punishing wickedness, we celebrate it.
Instead of rewarding righteousness, we mock it.

We must ask ourselves:

Are we raising up leaders who fear God?
Do we, as a people, truly despise what is evil?
Are we willing to stand for righteousness when our leaders refuse to?

A nation that does not fear God will inevitably fall into moral chaos—and its government will reflect that corruption.

Romans 13 does not give a blank check to government. It sets a standard:

A righteous government upholds justice, protects the innocent, and punishes evildoers.
A corrupt government rewards wickedness, persecutes righteousness, and abandons justice.

As Christians, our first allegiance is to God. We are called to:

Pray for our leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-2).
Hold them accountable to God’s standards (Proverbs 29:2).
Resist when necessary, choosing obedience to Christ over submission to corruption (Acts 5:29).

A government that honors God’s order should be supported. A government that violates His justice must be challenged. The church cannot be silent.

As we continue through Romans 13, we will unpack the biblical role of government, the Christian response to tyranny, and what it truly means to render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s—and unto God what is God’s.

Because in the end, only one King reigns supreme, and every earthly ruler will answer to Him.

The Role of Civil Authorities in God's Design

Romans 13:4

“For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.”

Paul reinforces that civil authorities are meant to act as ministers of God, appointed to uphold justice. Their role is not arbitrary; it is divinely ordained for the good of society. They have been entrusted with the sword of God’s wrath to punish evil and maintain order.

This verse serves as a continuation of Romans 12:19, where Paul reminded believers:

“Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.”

In other words, it is not our role as individuals to take vengeance—that responsibility belongs to God and the authorities He has established.

Government in a Fallen World: God's Design vs. Man's Corruption

Paul's message is clear: the state exists to maintain justice, and when it does so, it fulfills God’s intended design. This is not a new idea in Scripture. Throughout the Old Testament, God establishes civil authority as a means to:

Punish the wicked
Protect the innocent
Uphold righteousness

But what happens when leaders refuse to act as God’s ministers?

Throughout history, governments have often abandoned their divine purpose, using their authority not to punish evil but to protect it.

Instead of wielding the sword against evildoers, they wield it against the righteous.
Instead of being a terror to evil, they become a terror to those who do good.

This is why Romans 13 has been so misused and misunderstood. Tyrants and corrupt rulers have twisted this passage to demand blind submission, ignoring the fact that Paul is describing how government should function—not how it always does.

When Government Becomes a Tool for Evil

Paul is writing to Christians in Rome under a pagan empire, yet he does not tell them to blindly obey evil rulers. Rather, he outlines the purpose of government—to execute God’s wrath against evildoers.

This is a standard, not an unconditional command to submit.

Consider how God established government in Israel:

Judges were expected to execute justice impartially (Deuteronomy 16:18-20).
Kings were required to follow God’s law (Deuteronomy 17:18-20).
Rulers were warned not to oppress the people (Jeremiah 22:3-5).

Whenever Israel’s leaders became corrupt, God raised up prophets to confront them.

Nathan confronted King David over his sin.
Elijah rebuked King Ahab for his wickedness.
Jeremiah warned the rulers of Judah about impending judgment.

Now, look at our modern world. What happens when governments stop being a terror to evil?

When justice is no longer blind but politically motivated?
When wickedness is celebrated, and righteousness is mocked?
When law enforcement is turned against law-abiding citizens rather than criminals?

At what point does a government cease to be a “minister of God” and instead become an enemy of God’s justice?

This is the real question that Romans 13 forces us to ask.

Romans 13:5 – Obedience for Conscience’ Sake

“Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.”

Paul reminds believers that submission is not just about avoiding punishment—it’s about maintaining a clear conscience before God.

A Christian does not obey laws merely out of fear of consequences, but because they desire to honor God in all things.

However, this only applies when government is fulfilling its God-given role.

Obeying just laws is obedience to God.
Obeying unjust laws is complicity in evil.

When government acts righteously, we should submit joyfully. But when government becomes a tool for oppression and wickedness, we must follow the example of faithful men and women throughout history who chose to obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29).

Christ Above Caesar: The Limits of Government and the Lordship of Christ

Romans 13 is often misused to demand blind obedience to government, but Paul’s words were never intended to justify tyranny, corruption, or evil. Instead, this passage describes the proper role of government as a minister of God—one that upholds justice, punishes wickedness, and protects the innocent.

When rulers fulfill this role, they should be honored and obeyed. When they abandon it, they forfeit the moral authority God has granted them.

Paul’s teaching does not mean that believers must comply with every decree. Submission is about recognizing the proper place of government under God, but it does not mean complicity in evil.

The key takeaway from Romans 13:1-5 is this: government itself is not divine—it is merely a tool that God has established to serve His purposes. And when it ceases to serve those purposes, it is no longer acting as His minister.

The Church’s Responsibility in the Face of Corruption

Throughout history, faithful believers have understood this truth.

The Hebrew midwives disobeyed Pharaoh’s decree to kill male infants (Exodus 1:17).
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to bow to Nebuchadnezzar’s idol (Daniel 3:16-18).
Daniel continued to pray despite King Darius’ decree (Daniel 6:10).
The Apostles defied the Sanhedrin, declaring, “We ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).

Paul himself would later be executed by Rome for refusing to compromise the Gospel. Clearly, he was not advocating for blind submission to ungodly rulers.

Instead, Romans 13 is a call to order—not oppression. It is a reminder that authority exists under God’s rule, and when it is wielded against righteousness rather than for it, the church must be willing to stand for truth.

God’s Kingdom vs. Earthly Kingdoms

At the heart of this discussion is a greater reality: the church does not exist to serve the state. The state exists to serve God.

Nations rise and fall, but the Kingdom of God remains forever. Our ultimate allegiance is not to a political party, a government, or a ruler, but to Jesus Christ, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

This is why Romans 12 came before Romans 13—because only those who are transformed by the renewing of their minds can rightly discern how to navigate the tension between honoring authority and resisting tyranny.

A Call to Discernment and Boldness

As believers, we are called to live peaceably as much as possible (Romans 12:18), to honor just rulers (1 Peter 2:17), and to pray for those in authority (1 Timothy 2:1-2). But we are also called to stand against evil, to speak truth to power, and to obey God rather than men when the two are in conflict.

The challenge before us today is this:

👉 Will we have the discernment to recognize when a government has stepped beyond its God-ordained role?

👉 And more importantly, will we have the boldness to resist unrighteousness, defend the innocent, and uphold the truth—no matter the cost?

History has shown that when the church remains silent, tyranny flourishes. But when God’s people rise up with boldness, even the mightiest kingdoms can be shaken.

Let us remember: God alone is sovereign. He raises up kings and brings them down. Our trust is not in earthly powers but in the unshakable throne of Christ.

Let us live as transformed citizens of heaven, discerning the times and standing firm in the truth—for the glory of God and the good of His people.