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I Peter 2:13-17 “Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; (14) Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.”

(15) For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: (16) As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. (17) Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.”

Questions Concerning Romans 13:1-7 Can a Christian participate in civil government? Can a Christian participate in the vengeance role of civil government? “All actions performed under Biblical authority as ministries to God are actions which are morally right and which should be supported by children of God.”

There are three primary moves that a person might make in trying to avoid the force of Romans 13:1-7. Some would contend that civil government has the right to exist and bear the sword, but Christians cannot participate in those functions. In other words, this position is that governments must exist, enforce laws, and even use force, but only sinners, men and women who are not children of God, can carry out such deeds. Acts 23:16-35; Romans 13:4

The Consequences Of This Position Are we to believe that sinners, those who are not children of God, are the only ones who can be “ministers of God” in civil matters? Are we to think that it would be morally wrong for Christians to perform a work that is approved of God and which glorifies God ?

The Consequences Of This Position Heaven has established a situation where sinners defend the property, rights, and lives of Christians within a society, while Christians on the sidelines pray for their success but insist that it would be morally wrong for them to bear the same responsibilities. Are Christians exempt from the duty of providing for the welfare and protections of their families? Communities? Countries?

It Might Be Argued That The Teaching Of Jesus Contradicts This Interpretation Of Romans 13:1-7 In Matthew 5:38,39 and Romans 12:17-21 both Jesus and Paul prohibit personal retaliation, taking the law into one’s own hands, but it is a serious misuse of rules about personal conduct to try to transform them into absolute rules which are unqualified by other contexts. Matthew 5:42; II Thess.3:10; John 18:22,23

Matthew 5:42 “Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.”

II Thessalonians 3:10 “For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.”

John 18:22-23 “And when he had thus spoken, one of the officers which stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, Answerest thou the high priest so? (23) Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me?”

“But aren’t we to love our enemies, and isn’t love the opposite of force and taking life?” Matthew 5:44 Is love for an enemy to be understood as the supreme love of one’s life? What about love for God, family, brethren, and country? If I use force against an enemy who is threatening my family is not my action motivated by love? Acts 5:1-11; Revelation 21:8

The Concept That Is Worthy Of Study & Acceptance Concerning Romans 13:1-7 It must be consistent with all the Bible says about vengeance taking. Genesis 9:6 The death penalty was retained under the law of Moses. Deut.17:2-7;22:25;Ex.21:16 Deuteronomy 21:18-23; I Samuel 15:1-3

The New Testament does not abolish capital punishment nor does it prohibit the maintenance of armies or the functioning of godly people within them. John 19:10,11; Acts 25:11 Romans 13:1-7 says that the vengeance taking function of the state is not merely tolerated, but is positively a ministry of the Lord

God’s Simple Plan HEAR (Romans 10:17) BELIEVE (John 8:24) REPENT (Luke 13:3) CONFESS (Rom.10:9-10) BAPTIZED (Gal. 3:27) ADDED TO THE CHURCH (Acts 2:41,47)