CHRISTIANITY AND SOCIAL ORDER

 

CHRISTIANITY AND SOCIAL ORDER

 

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CHRISTIANITY AND SOCIAL ORDER

Based on biblical principles, Christianity presents a typical model for earthly government and its relationship with its citizens. Even though Christians long for the kingdom of God and his righteousness (Matt 6:33),[1] the Bible encourages believers to be positive and cooperative with their governments. This paper will address a significant biblical passage Paul wrote to the Romans. He informs them that God appoints the existing authorities, and this requires its citizens’ submission, honor, and fear. The passage says:

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. 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. Therefore, you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake. For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing. Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor (Rom 13:1–7)

Paul was not a traitor or manipulator of the gospel for the Roman state, but he was affirming a biblical truth. Hence, I will discuss this passage on three levels: textual level, contextual level, and canonical level to clearly comprehend Paul’s argument through God’s redemptive plan.

Textual level

Paul did not write (Rom 13:1–7) spontaneously; rather, he meant what he said. Paul knew God’s will and authority over the world’s events throughout history. In this section, I will discuss Paul’s perspective on submitting to authorities and their identity as entities appointed by God to serve God’s plan on earth who rule by their conscience and their power, which demands expectations from its citizens.   

Submission to Authorities

Paul presents readers with a cohesive argument to show honor and submission to the authorities.[2] Paul lists four theses to give his solid conclusion. First, Paul tells the audience, “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities” (v. 1), and later says, “Therefore you must be subject” (v. 5). Twice, he affirmed with no solicitation that his audience must submit to their government. It is important to know when Paul wrote the letter to the Romans and who was the ruler in those days. Paul wrote the letter between 55-58 AD.[3] During this time, Nero was the Roman emperor. Nero was the fifth Roman emperor (54–68 CE).[4] This period was not the best time for Christians under the rule of the Roman emperors. Cuban American historical theologian Justo L. Gonzalez asserts, “This new consciousness of Christianity as a separate religion was at the root of two and a half centuries of persecution by the Roman Empire, from the time of Nero to the conversion of Constantine”[5] Thus, this passage was a challenge for the Roman believers to understand or to practice.

Appointed and Ministering God

This challenge would prove their faith in their enemies and the unbeliever government, and yet, they ought to obey, submit, and show honor. In verses one and two Paul admits that these authorities are appointed by God, and whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. That means, if God appointed this government, believers ought to respect and accept God’s ordinance, and whoever resists will receive punishment. This submission to their authorities, reflects their submission to God’s ordinance. This was a practical lesson for believers in Rome to love whoever persecutes them and to submit to God’s will.

As a support to Paul’s argument, Paul repetitively asserts that these governors are God’s ministers. Paul repeated three times in verses four and six that the rulers are ministers of God. Verse four says, “He is God’s minister to you for good” (v. 4). That means even if their ruler is an unbeliever, he is still appointed as a minister to do what is good for people on earth. He serves God’s will on earth. For the second time, Paul says, “He does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil” (v. 4). That means this ruler uses his power to execute justice and prevent evil (which is God’s will) to his citizens. For the third time, Paul says, “You also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing” (v. 6). That means because they are God’s ministers, they deserve your financial support in the form of taxes paid continually, which means that believers need to be faithful to their government all the time.

Ruling by Conscience

Paul mentions that these authorities rule by their conscience (v. 5). In this passage, Paul does not underestimate the value of their conscience; rather, he accredited them for their leadership by their conscience. God gave them their conscience for wisdom in their management of state affairs to be just, fair, merciful, aware, and protective of their citizens. Hence, when they are led by their conscience that God gifted them, they are to practice their authority for the goodness of their people.

Expectations

At the end of this passage, Paul is presenting expectations from the Roman believers toward their government. He lists, “Taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor” (v. 7); so, they ought to present taxes, customs, fear, and honor. Paul encourages believers to serve as exemplary role models, demonstrating the characteristics of a responsible and virtuous citizen.

Contextual Level

Paul was not instructing only the Roman believer citizens at a specific case at a specific time in our main passage (Rom 13:1–7); rather, that was his claim to other congregations in different letters. In this section, I will address the Pauline perspective on social order and the typical citizen’s obligations.

Paul and Submission to Authorities

At the end of this passage, Paul is presenting expectations from the Roman believers toward their governments. Paul left Titus in Crete to set in order things that were lacking and appoint elders in every city (Titus 1:5). Paul wrote to Titus (to command his congregation), “Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work” (Titus 3:1). This is still under the persecuting Roman government. Therefore, believers in Crete ought to be subject to rulers and authorities with obedience, and the intention is to do good. It is noteworthy that Paul was not instructing the believers in Crete, but he was instructing their leader. In addition, Titus was appointing leaders, so he was a leader of leaders. Thus, he will transfer Paul’s social order teaching to his new elders in every city, and this will be the way leaders and their congregations live, supporting their government.   

  Furthermore, Paul commands, his other close disciple Timothy:

Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Tim 2:1–4).

Paul commands Timothy to thankfully pray for everyone, especially for kings and all who are in authority. Paul explains the reason that believers may have a quiet and peaceable life. Hence, Paul entrusts the earthly leaders with establishing quietness and peace on earth. This teaching creates trust in the believers’ hearts toward their believers instead of remaining tense and nervous about their rulers. Paul adds that their respect and honor for their authorities, either going to bring them or their people to salvation, because God desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth (v. 4).

Trust Authorities as Appointed and Ministering God

In a remarkable stage of Paul’s trials before Jews and Gentiles, Paul declares that he did not offend the law of Jews, the temple, or Caesar; he said that if he committed anything deserving of death, he appealed to Caesar (Acts 8 and 11). When Paul felt that there was a plot set up for him, Paul entrusted Caesar for his life. He sought a fair judge with his case. He trusted an earthly king as a person appointed by God to execute justice in his case. He had in mind that authorities perform God’s will on earth as ministers obeying God’s commands that are shown in their conscience. As a natural result, if they are appointed by God, they are God’s ministers performing God’s will. 

Their Conscience

Magnificently, Paul accredited the human conscience and giving it its divine weight in Romans two versus the Mosaic law. Paul says, “When Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them” (Rom 2:14–15). Paul asserts that Gentiles can show the work of the law and live what is in the law naturally through their conscience because it is written in their conscience and thoughts. Accordingly, a gentile government led by their conscience, (of course within fixed policies and laws) is worthy to trust even to believers.

Back to Paul’s letter to Timothy when he commanded him to pray for all those in authorities, he says this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior (1 Tim 2:3). Since God is the one who bestowed them their conscience to live and interact with their people, they are practicing what is good and accepted in the sight of God. 

Expectations

Believers ought to show respect, fear, and honor to their authorities. Paul says, “Brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh” (Gal 5:13). Even though believers are set free from the bondage of sin, and they do not belong to the current world, they are still obliged to the earthly world; otherwise, this will be an opportunity for the flesh. Therefore, true liberty is living in peace and giving all their due. In Acts chapter twenty-three, Paul was in a religious trial. Paul started his trial by saying, “I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day” (Acts 23:1). Even though he was a Jew in a Jewish trial, he appealed to conscience. Then, when he insulted the high priest, he regretted his insult because the high priest is a people ruler, and God’s commands are that people shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people (Acts 23:5). Paul’s incident sets up a practical model for believers who ought to submit to their rulers even when they misunderstand or misjudge their people.    

Canonical Level

Romans 13:1–7 and Paul’s teaching regarding social order do not stand alone, as it is a Pauline doctrine; instead, social order is an important subject throughout the Bible. The Bible commands people to submit to their government because they are ministers appointed by God, led by their conscience, and they have expectations to meet.

Submission to Authorities

God commands the children of Israel, “You shall not revile God, nor curse a ruler of your people” (Exod 22:28). This is a considerable verse because this verse speaks highly of rulers. This verse implies several principles. First, people must honor their rulers as they fear God. This is a divine command and must be put into action equally along with all of God’s commands in the Mosaic law. Second, God is sovereign, and he is aware of and approves rulers. In God’s will, while he is in heaven, the earthly rulers are on earth, and they have the power to practice over people from God. Third, when people submit to their earthly rulers, they submit to God’s order. Tremper Longman III and David E. Garland comment, “Similarly care must be taken not to curse any who are in authority, for the penalty for cursing God and the king is death (1 Kgs 21:10; for cursing God alone, Lev 24:15–16; for cursing the king alone, 2 Sam 16:9).”[6] With that being said, rebelling, mocking, and cursing the authorities was a serious crime in God’s law. Also, regarding the Jewish judicial system, God commanded Moses, “The man who acts presumptuously and will not heed the priest who stands to minister there before the Lord your God, or the judge, that man shall die. So, you shall put away the evil from Israel. And all the people shall hear and fear and no longer act presumptuously” (Lev 17:12–13). This commandment requires citizens to show submission, honor, and obedience to the authorities whether the priest or the judge. If that rebellious one resists the authority and does not submit, he shall die.

Authorities Appointed by God, and They Are His Ministers

God oversees raising authority. God chose Moses to lead his people out of the land of slavery to the Promised Land. God told Moses, “Come now, therefore, and I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring My people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt” (Exod 3:10). Moses was a significant leader in Hebrew history, and he was raised by God. After Moses, the Lord appointed Joshua and honored him and promised him power and honor before the people. God told Joshua, “No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you” (Josh 1:5). God appointed Moses to deliver the children of Israel from Egypt and chose Joshua to possess Canaan.

In the Book of Judges, the Lord appeared to be the only controller in appointing leaders. The author says, “Nevertheless, the Lord raised up judges who delivered them out of the hand of those who plundered them” (Judg 2:16). God dealt with the children of Israel as his children and people, so he shows love and compassion toward them. He sent judges to deliver them from their enemies. When God rose judges, he was with them, and they enjoyed his support, power, and honor. The author of Judges says, “And when the Lord raised up judges for them, the Lord was with the judge and delivered them out of the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge” (Judg 2:18). Once Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord. The children of Israel cried out to the Lord, and the Lord raised up a deliverer for the children of Israel, who delivered them: Othniel, the son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother (Judg 3:9). A while later, Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord. Then, they were oppressed by their enemies. The Lord raised up a deliverer for them: Ehud, the son of Gera, the Benjamite, a left-handed man (v. 15). Also, Samson was given to Manoah and his barren wife. About Samson, the Bible says, “The child grew, and the Lord blessed him. And the Spirit of the Lord began to move upon him” (Judg 13:24–25). These judges were appointed to perform God’s will to his people. God’s control in appointing authorities is not limited to the Children of Israel only but it is with Gentiles too, as I will explain later.    

Through the story of the first two kings, the reader can notice that God is in control when it is a matter of appointing a king. Regarding Saul, God told Samuel, “Tomorrow about this time I will send you a man from the land of Benjamin, and you shall anoint him commander over My people Israel, that he may save My people from the hand of the Philistines; for I have looked upon My people, because their cry has come to Me” (1 Sam 9:16). This reveals that God chose Saul to execute salvation for his people, and that shows God’s complete control of choosing authorities. When Saul offered a sacrifice while he was not supposed to and did not keep God’s commandment, Samuel rebuked him, saying, “Your kingdom shall not continue. The Lord has sought for Himself a man after His own heart, and the Lord has commanded him to be commander over His people, because you have not kept what the Lord commanded you” (1 Sam 13:14). Here the reader notices that God appoints and removes kings, all under his control.

When God wanted to raise David, God told Samuel, “I am sending you to Jesse the Bethlehemite. For I have provided Myself a king among his sons” (1 Sam 16:1). Then, when Samuel anointed him, the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward (v. 13).     

David is an ideal example in the Old Testament of a devout man who shows loyalty to his king, Saul, who was appointed by God, even when he wanted to kill him. When Saul was in the cave, David’s men encouraged David to kill Saul, but David said, “The Lord forbid that I should do this thing to my master, the Lord’s anointed, to stretch out my hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the Lord” (1 Sam 24:6). Saul was not the good king that anyone may follow. Saul left his kingship’s affairs to chase one of his flocks to kill because he was jealous of him. Yet, David showed loyalty to Saul and respect for his anointing.

Later in the Bible, the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar wrote to his empire, all peoples, nations, and languages that dwell in all the earth, a letter telling them the signs and wonders that the Most High God has worked for me (Dan 4:1–2), and he declared that God’s kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is from generation to generation. Obviously, this testimony is from a Gentile king, who confesses YAWEH’s lordship, kingship, and dominion over creation. God tells people everywhere that he dreamed of a tree in the midst of the earth, and its height was great. The tree grew and became strong. Its height reached to the heavens, and it could be seen to the ends of all the earth. Its leaves were lovely, its fruit abundant, and in it was food for all. The beasts of the field found shade under it, the birds of the heavens dwelt in its branches, and all flesh was fed from it. He saw in the visions while on his bed, and there was a watcher, a holy one coming down from heaven. He cried aloud and said, “Chop down the tree and cut off its branches, strip off its leaves and scatter its fruit, let the beasts get out from under it, and the birds from its branches, leave the stump and roots in the earth, bound with a band of iron and bronze, in the tender grass of the field, let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let him graze with the beasts on the grass of the earth, Let his heart be changed from that of a man, let him be given the heart of a beast, and let seven times pass over him” (Dan 4:10–16). Danial interpreted it as his dream and told him that he was that great tree, and the Lord will execute his judgment over him and that is what happened. Nebuchadnezzar was driven from men and ate grass like oxen; his body was wet with the dew of heaven till his hair had grown like eagles’ feathers, and his nails were like birds’ claws for seven years. It is an epic story that explains that God is in control regardless of whoever in on earth ruling, for God is not mocked (Gal 6:7).

Unfortunately, Belshazzar, Nebuchadnezzar’s son, did not learn the lesson from his father’s experience. He and his leaders, his wives, and his concubines drank wine and praised the gods of gold, silver, bronze, iron, wood, and stone using the Lord’s gold vessels. During their paganism worship, fingers of a man’s hand appeared and wrote opposite the lampstand on the plaster of the wall of the king’s palace. The king saw the part of the hand that wrote. Then, the king’s countenance changed, and his thoughts troubled him so that the joints of his hips were loosened and his knees knocked against each other. The king cried aloud (Dan 5:5–7). Daniel showed up and told the king that it was because he did not humble his heart nor glorify God (Dan 5:22–23). Danial interpreted the writing, “MENE: God has numbered your kingdom, and finished it; TEKEL: You have been weighed in the balances and found wanting; PERES: Your kingdom has been divided and given to the Medes and Persians” (Dan 5:26–28). On that night, Belshazzar was killed. Also, this example shows that God controls who can be king and who cannot. He appoints them to be his ministers, and if they do not perform his will, he removes them from their monarchy. There are several incidents like these in the Old Testament and in the New Testament these are just examples.

In the New Testament, Pater affirms this biblical doctrine. Regarding submission to the earthly kings, Peter writes to the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, “Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good” (1 Pet 2:13–14). Here are three biblical perspectives the reader may notice. First, when people elect, rise, and agree upon authority, they are basically doing this for the Lord. It can be understood as they are performing God’s will in an indirect way, and order must be executed. Second, people (or Christians, in this case) must submit to these authorities. Third, these authorities have the right of punishment to execute justice. The context is like Paul’s teaching to the Romans’ situation, as I discussed above; Christians suffered from the Roman emperor’s persecution. They still need to obey and honor God’s ordinance.

Their Conscience

The Lord grants kings their conscience to do good for their people. The Bible says, “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes. Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the hearts. To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice” (Prov 21:1–3). Here the writer mentions the kings’ conscience as their hearts, which is in God’s hands for guidance. Kings get the chance to do God’s will when God contacts them through their conscience, and the Lord weighs their hearts means that they are still under God’s evaluation and authority. Consequently, the king who judges the poor with truth, his throne will be established forever (Prov 29:14). Here the wise gives a general statement about the ruler who fairly and truthfully judges the poor, his throne will remain for a long period. God rewards these kings who are fair and just.   

Expectations

Believers ought to show respect, fear, and honor to their authorities. The wise says, “My son, fear the Lord and the king; do not associate with those given to change” (Prov 24:21). Interestingly, this passage also puts fearing the lord and the king in the same sentence, as we read in Exodus 22:28, which it sets the commandment in an important rank. In addition, the wise warns his reader of associating with rebellions since the commandment implies that the king is there by God’s ordinance. Furthermore, the Preacher, the son of David, says, “Do not curse the king, even in your thought; Do not curse the rich, even in your bedroom; For a bird of the air may carry your voice, and a bird in flight may tell the matter” (Eccl 10:20). Here, this Bible verse is urging the audience to not only publicly honor the king but even in their thoughts.

Also, Jews asked Jesus, “Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not shall we pay, or shall we not pay?” Jesus said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?” They said to Him, “Caesar’s.” Jesus answered and said, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s” (Mark 112:14–17). These taxes were paid to the Roman Empire, and yet Jesus teaches that it is lawful to be paid. In another incident, Jesus awed temple taxes. The collectors asked Peter if Jesus would pay the temple tax, and Peter says, “Yes.” Jesus and Peter knew that these taxes were not supposed to be taken from the sons and from strangers, but Jesus told Peter, “Nevertheless, lest we offend them, go to the sea, cast in a hook, and take the fish that comes up first. And when you have opened its mouth, you will find a piece of money; take that and give it to them for Me and you” (Matt 17:27). Jesus was cautious to live and teach as one who glorifies God in the earthly order. Also, when Peter commanded Christians in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia to submit to the earthly authorities, he reminded them that their submission is proven by expectations that they must meet. Peter says, “Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king” (1 Peter 2:17). Paying taxes and being supportive is a serious matter in the Bible. 

Application

Romans 13:1–7 teaching is a relevant teaching to today’s believers. As I explained God’s authority in placing earthly authorities in order, he appoints them, and God’s order requires submission and expectations. Today, we are under a government that is under God’s control. If a government does not perform God’s will, and does not rule justly, he removes it. It is his world, and he has the ultimate authority in it. Danial said, “He (God) changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding” (Dan 2:21).

Thinking of the Middle Eastern countries, a few years ago, all media were talking about the Arab Spring. This was a movement of upheavals and revolutions that broke out throughout the Middle East to dethrone several presidents who ruled their countries for decades. The spark started in Tunisia in 2010–2011 when its people had enough of oppression and governmental social injustice. President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali was in power for twenty-four years, and when he failed to execute justice, he was dethroned. In parallel, Muhammad Hosni El Sayed Mubarak was the president of Egypt for thirty years. In 2011, Egyptians had enough of oppression, social injustice, and governmental power misuse, and revolutionaries dethroned him and his government. The same story occurred in Libya, Yemen, Syria, Morocco, Iraq, Sudan, Algeria, and Lebanon with different levels of results.

Movements of appointing presidents or removing them should comfort believers since God is in control, and God wants the best for his people. Job says, “He loosens the bonds of kings” (Job 12:18). Zine El Abidine Ben Ali fled to Saudi Arabia in January 2011 following mass protests; Hosni Mubarak resigned in February 2011; Muammar Gaddafi, after forty-two years of rule, was captured and killed by rebel forces in October, 2011 during the Libyan Civil War; Ali Abdullah Saleh agreed to step down in November, 2011, he was killed in December, 2017 in the Yemeni Civil War, and Omar al-Bashir was ousted in April, 2019 following prolonged protests; he has since been imprisoned and faces multiple charges, including corruption. All these events show that God intervenes in world affairs. Furthermore, Mary says, “He (God) has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He has put down the mighty from their thrones and exalted the lowly” (Luke 1:51–52). Because God is in control and knows how to stop all evil, believers continue to have faith in God’s judgment over who should be our president, even in cases where governors are unjust.

Believers ought to be active and supportive of their society. For example, citizens of the United States must pay taxes. Taxes are important in building and sustaining a strong economy. Taxes provide revenue for federal, local, and state governments to fund essential services—defense, highways, police, and a justice system—that benefit all citizens, who could not provide such services very effectively for themselves. Taxes also fund programs and services that benefit only certain citizens, such as health, welfare, and social services; job training; schools; and parks.[7] As I explained in our main passage in Romans 13:7, Paul urges his audience to honor and respect their authorities. Also, Jesus paid the temple taxes. Even when he was a son of the land who does not have to pay this tax, he paid it, we ought to play a positive role in our society. In Romans 13:1–7 teaching speaks to us as we must submit to our authorities because we trust in God’s ordinance. After all, the governor is God’s minister and performs God’s will on earth. We as believers ought to support, honor, and fear our authorities.         

 

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[1] NKJV translation will be used in the entire paper, unless otherwise indicated.  

[2] I will be using the word authorities and government interchangeably.

[3] Tremper Longman III and David E. Garland, The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Romans-Galatians, Vol 11 (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan), 22.

[4] https://www.britannica.com/biography/Nero-Roman-emperor

[5] Justo L. Gonzalez, The Story of Christianity: The Early Church to The Dawn of The Reformation, Vol I (New York: Harper Collins, 2010), 43.

[6] Tremper Longman III and David E. Garland, The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Genesis-Leviticus, Vol 1 (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan), 499.

[7] https://apps.irs.gov/app/understandingTaxes/teacher/whys_thm01_les01.jsp#:~:text=Taxes%20provide%20revenue%20for%20federal,training;%20schools;%20and%20parks.