What does Romans 13:2 mean?

Explanation

Romans 13:2 posits that the governing authorities are established by God, and hence, resisting these authorities is equivalent to resisting God's ordinance.

The "power" in the context of this verse refers to the civil authorities and government.

The "ordinance of God" reflects the belief that God ordains or orders such structures for the purpose of good societal order.

The warning that follows - "and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation" - suggests not only a civil consequence (punishment by the law) but also a moral or spiritual consequence (judgment by God).

Historical Context

Romans 13:2 is part of a larger section in the Apostle Paul's letter to the Roman Christians during the first century AD, around the mid to late 50s.

The Roman Empire at the time had a structured and hierarchical system of governance.

Paul's letter addresses a Christian audience within this empire and speaks to how they should conduct themselves within a pagan society, especially in relation to governmental authority, which was not Christian.

This exhortation likely served to encourage Christians to live peaceably and avoid unnecessary persecution by Roman authorities.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse raises questions about the divine right of kings, the legitimacy of government authority, and the Christian's response to it.

Some interpret it to mean that all forms of government are instituted by God, thus calling for unconditional submission.

Others argue that this submission is conditional depending on whether the laws of the land align with God's laws.

Martin Luther, the Protestant Reformer, used the concept of the Two Kingdoms to explain this, where God governs the secular realm through earthly authorities and the spiritual realm directly.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, Romans 13:2 suggests that Christians ought to respect and obey laws and governing authorities, understanding that such obedience is part of their Christian duty.

It can also guide believers to engage in legal and constructive actions if they believe that a law is unjust, rather than revolting or inciting anarchy, which would go against the "order" that God has established.

Cross-References

• 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."

• Titus 3:1 - "Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,"
• 1 Peter 2:13-14 - "Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well."

Language Study

The key phrase "resisteth the power" comes from the Greek "antitassomai tē exousia," where "antitassomai" implies setting oneself against or opposing and "exousia" refers to authority or power.

"Ordinance" translates from "diatage," implying an arrangement or institution.

The Greek term "damnation" is from "krima," which can mean judgment, condemnation, or punishment.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the historical context of other ancient cultures, many also viewed their rulers and governing systems as divinely instituted.

For example, Egyptian Pharaohs and Roman Emperors were often seen as gods or chosen by the gods.

In the Hebrew Bible, there is an understanding of God's sovereign control over nations and kings as well, seen in books like Daniel.

However, the nuance in Paul's writing to the Romans differs by acknowledging the secular power yet mandating a higher loyalty to God's moral law.

Scientific Perspectives

The verse itself does not directly engage with scientific perspectives but can intersect with the sociological studies of how religion and governance interact.

Modern political science and sociology might explore the implications of such theological beliefs on civil obedience, the formation of laws, and the stability of societies.

How belief systems contribute to the functioning or dysfunction of societal structures can be an area of study impacted by such verses.

Commentaries

Commentaries on Romans 13:2 differ.

Some historical commentators like John Chrysostom emphasized its call to peaceable living within the societal structures of the time, while contemporary scholars like N.T.

Wright suggest the verse has to be understood in the nuanced context of first-century Rome, where Christians were a minority navigating a complex political landscape.

Others, like John Stott, underscore the delicate balance between obedience to the state and allegiance to God, stressing that disobedience to the state is permissible only when the state's laws force Christians to be disobedient to God.