Romans 13:1-2 says, “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resists the power, resists the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.” These words have been used through the ages by governments and even churches to subjugate Christians. But Peter in Acts 5:29 directly disobeyed the ruling leaders, saying, “We ought to obey God rather than men.” Due to a lack of understanding, some just dismiss the seemingly conflicting statements with cliché’s that no one can argue with, like “God is in control” and “God appoints all leaders.” God’s word, however, explains it perfectly.
In Deuteronomy 16:18-21, Moses establishes the concept of God’s government upon earth. Moses commanded the Israelites to appoint judges and policemen for every city in the Promised Land to keep the peace, and resolve controversies. The judges were to make their rulings righteously and without partiality. He then prophesied that the Israelites may have a king, but God then set forth certain perimeters: “Be sure to appoint over you the king the LORD chooses (Deuteronomy 17:14-15).” The king was not to have too many wives, horses, or gold and silver. He did not make the law, and he was subject to it like everyone else. It is in the context of only God has the right to rule over humanity that informs Paul via Romans 13:1-7 and Peter in Acts 5:29.
In his exhaustive contextual study of Romans 13:1-7 with the writings of both Paul and Peter, Greg Herrick of Dallas Theological Seminary states that “Paul is not putting his carte blanche on all government actions per se, but is instead upholding the principle of “government and order” as an end towards responsible, peaceful living in a fallen world. When a government fulfills its functions of maintaining peace, and generally protects the welfare of its people, both against those from within and without who would threaten these things, then it is carrying out the end to which it was appointed. It must be obeyed even if some things are tough—e. g. paying high taxes. But, when it crosses these boundaries and becomes an instrument for evil, violating the explicit will of God as outlined in Scripture, then it must not be followed (i.e. obeyed) at that point.”
Herein is the crux of submission to the authority of governmental leaders: God is the originator and establisher of government authority. From their Jewish background, both Peter and Paul recognized that governing order by God’s law is not a terror to people, but a necessity of responsible, peaceful living protecting the general welfare of the people. When that government or authorities become an instrument of evil, however, our God-given human agency requires us to submit to God rather than man. Leaders are to be servants unto people, not promoting themselves to god-like stature in their governance. So when you hear the cliché’s about God appointing all leaders and we have to obey them even if they are an instrument of evil, understand the truth of the context of Godly authority and godless authority.
Sources:
https://bible.org/article/paul-and-civil-obedience-romans-131-7
