Romans 13

Submission to Governing
Authorities
1. 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.
2. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is
rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who
do so will bring judgment on themselves.
3. 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 you will
be commended.
4. For the one in authority is Gods servant for your good.
But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the
5. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not
only because of possible punishment but also as a matter
of conscience.
6. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are
Gods servants, who give their full time to governing.
7. Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes,
pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then
respect; if honor, then honor.
 As I was searching the internet, Ive found something
interesting
The risk of motor vehicle crashes is higher among 16-19-
year-olds than among any other age group. In fact, per
mile driven, teen drivers ages 16 to 19 are nearly three
times more likely than drivers aged 20 and older to be in
a fatal crash.
Some ninety percent of motor vehicle crashes are caused
at least in part by human error.
Teenagers that supposedly took their driving test
recently, they know the laws, they memorized them for
 Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities.
For there is no authority except from God, and the
authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore
whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of
God, and those who resist will bring judgment on
themselves.
Every soul certainly includes Christians. Paul simply says
that we should be subject to the governing authorities
all authorities !!!!
This was in contrast to groups of zealous Jews in that day
who recognized no king but God and paid taxes to no one
 For there is no authority except from God, and the
authorities that exist are appointed by God: We subject
ourselves to governing authorities because they are
appointed by God and serve a purpose in His plan.
We can spend a lot of time thinking why we shouldnt obey
authorities, this will take us to a rebellious mindset, and
alack of respect and gratitude.
Just to appreciate our DMV laws .. Females are not allowed
to drive in Saudi Arabia.
We remember that Paul wrote this during the reign of the
Roman Empire.
It was no democracy, yet he still saw their legitimate
authority.
 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you
want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and
you will have praise from the same. For he is God's minister
to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not
bear the sword in vain; for he is God's minister, an avenger
to execute wrath on him who practices evil.
Do what is good, and you will have praise:
Paul's idea is that Christians should be the best citizens of
all.
Even though they are loyal to God before they are loyal to
the state
Christians are good citizens because they are honest, give
no trouble to the state, pay their taxes, and pray for the
 He is God's minister: Paul describes government officials as
God's minister. They have a ministry in the plan and
administration of God, just as much as church leaders do.
As Gods minister they deserve our respect.
Question: In Pauls time . Was Nero seen as Gods
minister?
How about Kim Jong-un ?
Conclusion:

All authority is placed by God

Some are more God fearful than others
Some are more righteous than others.
But we are to obey them as placed by God with a purpose.
And from God we receive reward.