The obedience that is due governmental authorities from a Christian is Paul's subject in Romans 13: 1-7. As Wesley points out, since the epistle is directed to the church at Rome--the seat of power--the question is especially pertinent to this church. Additionally, the Jewish people were chafing under Rome's rule, a situation that would eventually result in a Jewish rebellion that eventually was crushed and destroyed the Jerusalem temple in 70 A.D. The instructions are also important to all believers in the church as the Romans often suspected the Christians of being treasonous since they would not swear fealty to the Roman gods, but only to Christ alone. As such, Wesley states that the letter also serves as a public defense of the Christian religion that attempts to show that Christians are not formenting rebellion against the empire.
Paul begins (v. 1) by saying that all persons must be obedient to the higher powers. Two powers are mentioned. First, there is the supreme power of God. Second, God in his supreme power establishes the governmental authorities. Those that resist the governmental authorities therefore resisit the ordinance of God and are subject to punishment from God. With regard to the governmental authorities, Wesley states that the governmental authorities are subordinate to and their authority thus is worthy of Christian obedience. Calvin notes that all persons must be obedient to the authorities, and that all leaders have been placed in their position by God's hand. With regard to tyrannies and unjust ruleers, Calvin states such governments are disordered and thus not ordained by God.
--What does it mean that God establishes the governmental authorities? Does He establish all governmental authorities directly as part of His plan, or are some tyrannies allowed to exist but not actually established by God? Calvin states that tyrannies are not ordained by God. Do you agree? Explain your thoughts on the matter.
Paul continues by giving practical advice regarding the government, its useful, and the proper Christian response. Governments do not act against good works, but rather evil ones. Thus, the Christian who does good should not fear the government, which will look kindly upon those who are doing good within society. (v. 3). As such, the magistrate is a minister of God sent for our benefit if we do good, but a minister of wrath to us if we do evil who bears the sword not in vain. (v. 4). According to Calvin, governments are established for the public order and good, to provide safety to good people and restrain wickedness. Opposing this function is tantamount to opposing the good of humanity. Calvin also says that even a wicked magistrate should be obeyed, however, since such a person is sent as a punishment from God for our sins. Wesley says that Paul's instructions are generally true, but that some governments are exceptions to the teaching in verse 3. Both Wesley and Calvin state that verse 4 refers to capital punishment, which each believes God authorizes to be inflicted.
--If a government acts against good works and supports evil, would the Christian be freed from obeying it? Paul says the purpose of governmental authorities is to restrain evil and allow good to flourish. What other purposes, if any, are there? Do you agree with Calvin that wicked rulers are sent as a punishment from God? Does v. 4 authorize capital punishment?
The governmental authorities should be obeyed not only for practical reasons such as avoiding punishment, but also for conscience sake. (v. 5) The Christian is also to pay taxes for the public good. (v. 6). In the end, we should render the proper respect and actions to the governmental authorities by paying taxes and customs, and obeying and honoring those who have power. (v. 7). As Wesley states, obedience to God is important here. Calvin notes here in his commentary that the discourse Paul is giving applies only to legitigimate authorities and is inapplicable to tyrannies that try to rule over the consciences of men. Interestingly, Luther says that we are to be subject to the secular authorities for practical reasons, and that doing so does not make us virtuous in God's sight. Calvin states that obedience is an acceptable service to God.
--It appears that a Christian is required to pay taxes for the public good. Does this mean the IRS is God's holy instrument? What does this indicate about the authority of government to lvy taxes? Who do you agree with regard to the spiritual benefit of obedience to authority--Luther or Calvin? In the end, does this passage teach that Christians must be obedient to the governmental authorities regardless of their actions? Explain your answer. If you do not think so, state what acts of a government would cause it to forfeit its right to our obedience?
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