Living Faithfully Under Authority

Romans 13:1–7 is one of those passages that stirs questions every time it’s read. Paul’s words—“be subject to the governing authorities”—have been quoted to justify everything from submission to tyrants to arguments for civil obedience. But what do these verses really mean for us as Christians today?

First, Paul reminds us that all authority comes from God. That truth is both comforting and challenging. Comforting because we know that even when leaders act unjustly, God is still sovereign. Challenging because it means we can’t simply ignore or dismiss authority when it doesn’t suit us. We are called to honor, respect, and submit as far as conscience allows.
But Paul also leaves us “hints” that submission is not absolute. He describes rulers as God’s servants “for your good.” What happens when rulers no longer serve good but instead promote evil? That’s where we turn to the broader witness of Scripture. Daniel refused to bow to idols. The apostles refused to stop preaching Christ. The Hebrew midwives refused Pharaoh’s evil command. Time and again, God’s people chose obedience to Him over compliance with corrupt authority.

Jesus Himself put it clearly: “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” Taxes may belong to Caesar, but worship, loyalty, and ultimate obedience belong only to the Lord.
So where does that leave us? With a call to live in tension. We honor and respect those in authority because God has placed them there. We live at peace whenever possible. But when obedience to human authority demands disobedience to God, we must obey God rather than men.

The world is watching how we live this out. Will we model bitterness and rebellion, or will we demonstrate courage, humility, and peace? As John Lewis once said, sometimes we are called to get into “good trouble.” Not for the sake of trouble itself, but for the sake of righteousness and the gospel.

As followers of Christ, our ultimate allegiance is to Him. Let’s honor authority, pursue peace, and be ready to stand courageously when God calls us to.