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. (Romans 13:1)
A failure to understand the difference between submission and obedience has given birth to many erroneous teachings that have caused some people to stray. A person can submit without obeying an ungodly command. An example of this is Apostle Peter. He refused to obey the chief priests when they commanded him not to speak or teach anymore in the name of Jesus (Ac 4:18-19).
Lord Jesus knew this and this is the reason he said to Pilate, “you would have no authority if it was not given to you from above.” (John 19:11)
Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. (Romans 13:2)
The early Christians lived under one of the most corrupt and ruthless governments of all time. The Roman emperors even proclaimed themselves as gods. Yet nowhere in Scripture will you find any instruction given to the believers to subvert that government and replace it. On the contrary, Paul commanded the believers to pray for their governmental leaders (1Timothy 2:1-4).
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. (Romans 13:3)
There are few exceptions to this. However, the truth is that even corrupt governments have stood for good. Apostle Paul was an example of this. Many times the Roman government actually came to his defense.
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