READ: Rom. 13:1–7: 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. … For he is God’s minister to you for good. … Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake. … For because of this you also pay taxes.
The government of a country is appointed by God. It has the duty, on behalf of the Lord, to govern the land in such a way that order and peace are promoted. Therefore the government has received authority from God, to which obedience must be rendered. This does not mean that when this government compels subjects to sin, they must obey it, because service to God surpasses all.
A foreign authority which has deposed the legitimate government may not subsequently demand obedience from the population andresistance may be exercised against such an authority.
However, when there is an established government, the population must show obedience in matters where God’s law is not transgressed. This is also according to the fifth commandment.
If in other cases you resist governmental authority, you must expect punishment. That may be in this life, but it will certainly occur after this life by God Himself if there is no repentance.
Why does Paul speak so positively about the government, while he himself was cruelly treated by local authorities (Acts 16:19–24; 2 Cor. 11:25)? And what about Pilate? We may state that in these cases the authorities acted contrary to their own rules. Pilate declared Jesus innocent, yet for selfish reasons delivered Him to the Jews (cf. Acts 3:13). And the authorities in Philippi were misled in their judgment concerning Paul and later attempted to make amends (Acts 16:38–39).
Certainly there are regimes which, like some parents, act godlessly, also in their administration of justice. They then act contrary to God’s command and will be held responsible by God.
Do we pray for the government? How?
Singing: Ps. 37:2