This passage has been used to justify submission to all kinds of abuses and inequalities coming from governing authorities. Is Paul complicit in supporting such corrupt governments? By basing the authority of government in God, Paul gives legitimacy to such authorities but only within limits. They also are under authority (God's) and must submit to authority as well. What is the purpose of government and what are those limits?
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For Reflection:
Christians have had great differences in understanding how to apply Paul's instructions from this passage.
- Given Paul's word about the legitimacy of government, its purpose (to promote good and restrain evil), and its limitations (its authority comes from God), when and how do you think it is appropriate to resist authority?
- Paul was not living under a democratic government in which authority comes from the people. How might that context affect how we apply Paul's instructions, if at all?
