Romans 13 is used by “Christians” like Speaker Mike Johnson to silence dissent against the current administration. In this scripture, Apostle Paul said that everyone should submit to governing authorities because God established their authority.
Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.
Romans 13:1
Paul’s statement assumes that governing authorities will do God’s will because God gave them authority. But what if they aren’t doing God’s will?
Paul made a blanket statement about submitting to authority that does not cover every situation. Most importantly, he did not address whether we should obey authorities who are not doing God’s will.
Questions should be asked.
Do government authorities act lawfully, upholding the laws established by the government they are supposed to represent? Are they acting ethically? Do they oppress the poor or mistreat the foreigners among us? Are they acting justly? Do they suppress free speech? Do they deny the right to due process of the law?
Are they doing God will?
If you look at Paul’s ministry, he clearly did not believe that a follower of Christ should blindly submit to government authority without question. Paul was accused of advocating customs that were unlawful for Romans. He was accused of teaching against the Roman people and laws. Yet he chose to defy the authorities by continuing to preach. He was imprisoned for not submitting to their authority.
Peter also said that you should submit to government authorities “for the Lord’s sake.”
Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.
1 Peter 2: 13-14
But look at what Peter said when he was brought before the Sanhedrin to face the accusation of teaching in Christ’s name:
But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.”
Acts 5:28
We must obey God rather than man.
God is sovereign. He is the ultimate authority. His laws are supreme.
When Paul was jailed for spreading the gospel, the Lord said to him, “As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.” The Lord wanted him to continue spreading the gospel.
I am a law-abiding citizen, but I question governing authorities, especially when those authorities have no respect for the law or for what is right and just.
Does Donald J Trump act legally, following the laws established by the government? No. He is a man of lawlessness.
Does he act ethically? No. He is corrupt and amoral.
Does he oppress the poor? Yes. His economic policies further enrich the wealthy, taking funds from those who need it most.
Does he mistreat immigrants? Yes. He lies about them to spread fear and resentment. He sends them to detention centers where they are kept in poor conditions without medical care. He separates families and traumatizes children!
Does he act justly? No. He makes false accusations against his political opponents and seeks vengeance while pardoning criminals. He denies immigrants due process.
Does he deny people the right to speak? Yes. He silences the press, suing the media for perceived damages. He calls the press treasonous for speaking the truth.
Is Donakd Trump doing God will? Absolutely not!
God’s will is that we love one another.
God’s will is that we live in peace.
God’s will is truth.
God’s will is justice.
God’s will is mercy.
God’s will is that we leave vengeance to him.
God’s will is that we serve others with humility.
Human laws and human authority are never above God’s laws and God’s authority. If something goes against God’s will, it’s time to disobey. If Jesus tells you to testify to the truth, it’s time to speak.
Innermost Being 