If you're in the mood for a fight in mixed company, bring up the subject of politics! Democrat, Republican, Independent, Occupy Wall Street, The Tea Party, National Debt, Taxes...need I continue? Pick a topic and you can start a fight. Add to these things the politics we function within at home, school and/or work and we shouldn't be surprised that our lives are marked with conflict and strife. At its core, I submit that these conflicts are a struggle against authority. For example, the political party in the minority struggles against the political party in the majority because of the relative shift in the majority holder's authority to make policy. At home, husbands and wives struggle to find a balance in who is the final authority on matters affecting their home and family. At school, students resist the authority of teachers and administrators because they feel rules are often arbitrary and infringe on their personal rights to do as they please. At work, labor resists the authority of management because labor believes management is lining their pockets using the sweat and blood of labor. If you're still not convinced, let's go back a few years when God told Adam and Eve that they could eat from any tree in the garden but from the tree in the middle of the garden they were not allowed to eat. The first rebellion against the ultimate Authority served to lay the foundation for all subsequent rebellions to our present struggles with authority. So what is the proper response to authority? More specifically, what does the Bible teach about our response to governing authority? And is there a principal of submission that governs other areas of our lives and relationships?
To begin with, let me give you a hypothetical situation: You’re the founding pastor of a number of church plants along the front-range. About 25 years ago, the founder of your denomination was brutally murdered by some government officials over some trumped up charges. Now, you find yourself under arrest and in jail for being too public with your preaching. While in jail, you’re given the opportunity to communicate with your congregations. Here’s your chance. What would you write? Maybe something like this:
“Dear brothers and sisters, as you know, I am writing to you from jail where I stand convicted for preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. Haven’t I warned you that the end times will soon be upon us? Can there be any clearer indication that the end times have in fact arrived when our once great government would imprison its own citizens for preaching the gospel? Brothers and sisters, the time has come to lay aside your Bibles, take up arms and oppose this evil government! Certainly you can no longer be justified in paying taxes to support a government that oppresses its own citizens. It is time to revolt in the name of our great Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who, as you know, also fell victim to a similar evil government!”
Is that the kind of letter you would write, or is it a bit zealous for your liking? Then how about something like this:
“Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God’s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another.”
PS: “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”
Is this more like the letter you would write, or does it seem naïve or idealistic? As you might recognize, the first part of the letter was from the 13th chapter of Paul’s letter to the church in Rome. Keep in mind, in addition to being Jewish, Paul was a Roman citizen! Paul wrote this particular letter while in Corinth preparing for his trip to Jerusalem. Does it seem like Paul is being a bit naïve or idealistic in his instructions? I mean, he’s not even in Rome at this point so how would he know what the people there are experiencing from the local government! That’s why I included the postscript. You see, the postscript is part of a letter written to Timothy just a few years later. It wasn’t written during one of Paul’s famous world tours. No, it was written while Paul was in a Roman prison awaiting his execution. See, Paul wasn’t naïve or idealistic. I’m sure it didn’t escape his attention that this was the same government that crucified Jesus. Instead, he was reinforcing a Biblical truth about submission and respect for authority. That begs this question: Why should Christians submit to authority in general and civil governments more specifically? Let’s let Paul answer the question.
Beginning with Romans 13:1 Paul says; “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.” Paul’s not making this stuff up! There’s ample Biblical evidence to support his statement. For example, Daniel 2:21 says “He [God] sets up kings and deposes them.” Clearer still is the interchange between Pontius Pilate and Jesus in John 19:10-11; “’Do you refuse to speak to me?’ Pilate said. ‘Don’t you realize that I have the power either to free you or to crucify you?’ Jesus answered, ‘You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above.’” But even with ample Biblical support, this verse is still a stumbling block for many when they consider governing authorities such as Hitler, Stalin or Mussolini. They insist that there has to be some exception to rule. But Paul makes no exceptions. Brutal regimes existed long before these evil men and yet God’s sovereignty and glory were always ultimately displayed for all to see. Pharaoh’s bitter enslavement of Israel and subsequent refusal to release them from their bondage inevitably led God to demonstrate his overwhelming saving power by emancipating Israel and destroying the Egyptian army. King Herod’s order to kill all the boys two years old or younger in Bethlehem and its surrounding regions in an attempt to kill Jesus only served to further fulfill the prophecies about Jesus as the coming Messiah. At times, Emperor Nero lined the streets of Rome with crucified Christians set on fire as street lights. Yet despite Nero’s best efforts to wipe out Christianity in the 1st century, he simply managed to drive the roots of the early church’s faith even deeper. The logical mistake is to assume Paul’s statement means that all governments are intrinsically good. Instead, while government may be a servant of God, it often fills that role unwittingly and unwillingly. Ultimately though, God doesn’t ask you to consider whether or not governing authorities are worthy of submission but simply that we submit to them as his established servants.
Paul goes on to say in verse 2: “Consequently, he who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so bring judgment on themselves.” Clearly, rebellion has some extremely serious consequences. Satan rebelled against God’s ruling authority and we all know what’s ultimately in store for him. Adam rebelled against God in the garden and death entered the world. Continued rebellion is evidenced in our society by our burgeoning prisons. But is all rebellion condemned by God? The answer is no. Since governing authorities are established servants of God, it is logical to insist that God is the highest authority. Consequently, opposing orders that conflict with God’s requirements is not condemned by God. For example, in Acts 4:19, Peter and John are brought before the Sanhedrin where they are ordered to stop preaching the gospel. Here’s what Peter says: “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God.” Now Peter’s not talking about disobeying them in all things, but simply in the things that contradict God’s requirements. A better question to ask would be; is it possible to submit and to rebel at the same time? In a sense it is. Let me tell you a story about Private Ivan Moiseyev.
Ivan Moiseyev was an 18 year old Private in the Soviet Red Army. The Communists were endlessly calling him to headquarters for talks, trying to “re-educate” him, to talk him out of his faith in God. On this day, however, one of Ivan’s commanding officers was determined to succeed. Major Gidenko was the head of the Political Directive Committee and he was certain he could break Ivan. When Ivan entered his office and was seated, the Major said to him;
“Moiseyev, you don’t look like a poor pupil to me. Why are you not learning the correct answers?”
“Sometimes there is a difference between correct answers and true ones,” Ivan answered. “Sometimes God will not allow me to give the correct answers.”
The Major interrupted; “Yes, yes, I know all about the Christian teaching. But what has that got to do with being a soldier? Do you disagree with the teaching of the glorious Red Army?”
No sir,” answered Ivan.
“But you do not accept the principles of scientific atheism upon which is based our entire Soviet state and the military power of the army?” Said the Major.
Resolutely, Ivan said; “I cannot accept what I know to be untrue. Everything else I can gladly accept.”
For his continued refusal to recant, the Major order him to stand overnight outside the barracks. Since it was expected to be 13 degrees below zero, before private Moiseyev was dismissed, Major Gidenko stopped him and said;
“You will obey my instructions in summer uniform.”
Private Moiseyev was then dismissed. He would stand outside every night for 12 nights. During the day, he would still preach to the comrades in his barracks. Many came to faith after seeing his courage. His continued rebellion, however, would cost him his life. At age 20, his dead body was pulled from the river. He had been beaten, stabbed and was finally drowned. Soviet Colonel, Malsin, said;
“Moiseyev died with difficulty. He fought with death, but he died a Christian.”[1]
Private Moiseyev is a great example of someone who found a balance between rebellion and submission. Note that he was always respectful and honoring in his speech and followed every order except the one that contradicted God’s order to share the gospel. In short, not all rebellion is condemned by God. Nevertheless, all rebellion has its consequences and sometimes those consequences can be dire--as in the case of Private Moiseyev. But that’s the exception not the rule. In general, those who submit to the governing authorities live in relative peace. Here’s why I can say that. Paul says in verses 3 and 4: “For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God’s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.” Submission is necessary to avoid punishment. Here’s a quick test: What would be your immediate reaction if you were served with an IRS audit notice? Panic or ambivalence? What about this: What’s the first thing you do when you see flashing lights in your rear view mirror? After that initial wave of panic passes, you look at your speedometer don’t you? Were you speeding or not? What was the speed limit anyway? Wait a minute were you driving faster than anyone else? Let me ask you this, would you have the same reaction if you always obeyed the speed limit? (I’ve heard it said that the right foot is the last part of the body to be saved!) Here’s the principle that Paul’s trying to convey: Honest, law-abiding citizens generally don’t have anything to fear from governing authorities. Simply put, government is God’s way of protecting us from chaos and anarchy. Fundamentally, that means government is charged with establishing proper social boundaries and appropriate consequences for those who cross those boundaries. Paul’s reference to “bear the sword” conveys the idea that government has the God ordained authority to dispense earthly justice. I assume many if not all of you have heard the term “legislate morality.” That’s what many people think the government is doing during its legislative process and its subsequent enforcement of social boundaries. However, people often miss the point when they insist that “Government can’t legislate morality!” It is true that there is no law that can make a person moral. Nevertheless, laws are introduced to battle immorality. It’s true that there is no law to make people love each other. Therefore, laws are introduced to keep people from killing each other. It’s true that no law can make people honest. Therefore laws are introduced to keep people from stealing. In essence, government isn’t there to make people good but to keep people from evil. To a limited degree, government’s authority to dispense earthly justice does that. But is the threat of punishment enough?
Paul continues in verse 5: “Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience.” Not only has God ordained government as an external protection, he has likewise given us a conscience as an internal protection. That can be a bit confusing but here’s what Paul is saying: Fear of punishment can’t be the only motivation for doing good. Submission merely out of fear is as incomplete as the desire for sexual purity simply out of fear of contracting AIDS. Considering the proliferation of AIDS in our world, that motivation isn’t working very well. Submission based on fear is an external force and is a minimum standard for all people—including unbelievers. Paul is insisting on something more here—the desire to maintain a pure and undefiled conscience. The standard set by the conscience is personal and hopefully higher than the standard set by government. But, you might be asking, how does the failure to submit to authorities affect our conscience? On one level our conscience is disturbed when we rebel against authorities, because we know they are appointed servants of God and we are in fact rebelling against God. More specifically, however, our conscience is the God-given mechanism to alert us to transgressions. Did you know that the government has established the Government Conscience Fund? It’s for people to send in money anonymously to clear their conscience if they have cheated the government in some way. At one point they received an anonymous letter accompanied by a check. The letter read; “The enclosed check is for money that I owe you for taxes I didn’t pay. I have been losing sleep over the matter. If I continue to lose sleep, I’ll send the rest.”
Lest you think that the issue of paying taxes is an all-American past time, you might be surprised at what Paul says next. In verses 6 and 7 Paul says: “This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full-time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.” Paul may be including this material because of the growing resistance in the middle 50’s to paying taxes, which would eventually lead to a tax revolt in A.D. 58. More importantly, however, Paul is trying to demonstrate that the payment of taxes is not unbiblical. Interestingly, in earlier verses, Paul uses the more common Greek word, διάκονος, meaning, “servant” when he is speaking of government authorities. But in verse 6 he changes to, λειτουργοὶ, which is used in the Old Testament in its Hebrew form for those who served in the temple of God. Servants of the temple were paid out a fund from the contributions of the rest of the population—a simple form of taxation. Through this change in terminology, Paul is making the analogy that taxation to pay government authorities is similar to the principle of paying servants of God’s temple. Both are full-time servants of God and have no other means of financial support. Whatever Paul’s precise motivation may have been with respect to paying taxes, he follows that with a more general principle of paying everyone what is due them. Paul is subtly implying that the service rendered by government authorities ultimately obligates those who are served to some form of repayment.
The same principle of submission to authority is consistent throughout Scripture with respect to all areas of life and relationships. Jesus submitted to the will of the Father to the point of death on the cross (Phil. 2). Believers are to submit to the lordship of Jesus Christ as the Head of the Church (Eph. 5:23). Wives are to submit to their husbands as they do to Jesus (Eph. 5:22). (For all you wives and feminists out there who are reaching for your lanterns and pitch-forks, read all of Ephesians to understand the full context of Paul’s instructions.) Children are to submit [obey] their parents (Eph. 6:1). And slaves [employees] are to submit their master [employer] (Tit. 2:9).
To summarize, if we accept the premise that God is sovereign and the final Authority of our lives, then we have a duty to humble ourselves in submission to those God has placed in authority over our lives (except in the case where that authority contravenes the authority and instruction of God). In view of the Biblical evidence, are there areas in your life where you are resisting, or perhaps rebelling, against ligitimate authority in your life, instead insisting on your personal rights or having your own way? What will you do? Return to my original hypothetical situation—be honest, which letter would you have written? To fight or submit?
[1] dc Talk and The Voice of the Martyrs, Jesus Freaks, (Tulsa, OK: Albury Publishing, 1999), pp. 30-35.
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