Meaning of Romans 13:3

The Apostle Paul, in Romans 13:3, asserts that governing authorities are not an inherent threat to those who conduct themselves righteously. Instead, their power and the potential for punishment are reserved for individuals who engage in wrongdoing. This implies a divinely ordained purpose for government: to maintain order and justice by distinguishing between good and evil, thereby fostering a society where those who adhere to moral principles can live without undue fear of arbitrary repression. The verse encourages a proactive stance of ethical conduct as the surest path to peace and favorable regard from those in positions of authority, suggesting that commendation, rather than fear, is the natural consequence of a virtuous life in relation to the state.

Context and Background

Romans 13 was written by Paul to the church in Rome, likely around 57 AD. At this time, the Roman Empire was a dominant political force, and Christians were a minority group within it. The early church faced potential persecution and suspicion from the Roman authorities. Therefore, Paul’s instruction here is crucial for guiding believers on how to navigate their relationship with the governing powers. He is not advocating for blind obedience to every decree, but rather for a fundamental respect for the office of government as instituted by God (Romans 13:1-2). The verse directly follows Paul's affirmation that "there is no authority except that which God has established."

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Ordination of Authority: The verse reinforces the idea that rulers are placed in their positions by God. This means their authority, when exercised justly, is legitimate in God's eyes.
• Justice and Order: The primary function of government, as implied here, is to be a force for justice. It punishes evil and implicitly rewards good, thereby maintaining societal order.
• Fear vs. Commendation: Paul presents a clear dichotomy. Fear is the natural response of the wrongdoer to authority, while commendation is the rightful outcome for the righteous. This highlights the expected interaction between the governed and the government.
• Personal Responsibility: The verse places a significant emphasis on individual accountability. The believer's conduct directly influences their experience with authority.

Spiritual Significance and Application

For believers, Romans 13:3 is a call to live a life that is not only pleasing to God but also demonstrably ethical within the civic sphere. It encourages Christians to be exemplary citizens, whose actions align with God's moral law, thereby minimizing any grounds for legitimate complaint or punishment by the state. This not only protects the individual believer from undue hardship but also serves as a positive witness to the transformative power of faith, potentially leading to commendation and a more peaceful coexistence with secular authorities. The spiritual application lies in recognizing that obedience to God often translates into obedience to just human laws, and that a life of integrity is a powerful testimony.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This verse aligns with the Old Testament principle of justice and the establishment of righteous governance. Prophets often spoke against corrupt rulers and called for justice for the oppressed. In the New Testament, Jesus himself paid taxes (Matthew 17:27) and instructed his followers to render unto Caesar what is Caesar's (Matthew 22:21). Paul's teaching here is consistent with this broader biblical emphasis on respecting established authorities as long as their demands do not conflict with God's commands, and on living a life that honors God through ethical conduct in all areas of life, including civic engagement.

Analogies

Imagine a school principal. The principal's authority is not meant to instill fear in students who are diligently studying and behaving well. Instead, the principal's role is to ensure a safe and productive learning environment. Students who break rules, disrupt classes, or cheat will rightly face consequences and fear the principal's disciplinary actions. Conversely, students who excel academically and follow school policies are often commended, receive awards, and enjoy a positive relationship with the administration. In this analogy, the principal represents the governing authority, and the students represent the populace.

Another analogy is that of a skilled craftsman and their tools. A carpenter uses a hammer not to terrorize the wood, but to shape it according to their design. The hammer is a powerful tool, and if misused, it can cause damage. However, when used correctly by a skilled hand, it serves its intended purpose of building and creating. Similarly, governing authority, when exercised according to God's design, is a tool for building a just society, and its power is appropriately directed towards correcting what is wrong.

Relation to Other Verses

• Romans 13:1-2: "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. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves." This sets the foundation for the specific point made in verse 3, emphasizing the divine origin of governmental authority.
• 1 Peter 2:13-17: "Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right... Show proper respect to everyone, love your brothers and sisters, fear God, honor the emperor." Peter echoes Paul's sentiment, urging submission to authorities for the Lord's sake and highlighting the punitive aspect for wrongdoers and the commendation for those who do right.
• Titus 3:1: "Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do good works." Paul instructs Titus to teach the church in Crete to be obedient and ready to perform good works, which aligns with the idea of living righteously before authorities.
• Matthew 22:21: When asked if it is lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, Jesus replied, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s." This demonstrates Jesus' acknowledgment of the legitimacy of secular authority and the obligation to fulfill civic duties, which is a prerequisite for living righteously in relation to the state.