Romans 13:1-7 ~ God & Government + PDF Teacher's Notes

Romans 13 contains the “therefore” of our relationship to government. It is amazing that Paul would have written quite so positively about government, especially one as oppressive as Rome. The Christian attitude toward government is far different from that of first-century Judaism, which was known for its zealous opposition to Roman occupation of Judea (within a few years the Jews would openly revolt, resulting in the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70). These same unbelieving Jews caused great civil unrest in opposition to the spread of the Gospel. Paul may have wanted the church to stand in stark contrast to the trouble the Jews made for the Romans. No matter what Paul’s motives, the fact remains the Holy Spirit inspired Paul to pen this passage and it remains God’s will for us with regard to civil government.

Jesus is Lord over all the kingdoms of the earth. Every government is in some way serving God’s purpose in Christ (Cranfield, p. 654).

ESV Colossians 1:16 . . . by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities - all things were created through him and for him.