Moment of Meditation: Authorities (Romans 13:1)

Original Broadcast: April 2010

Monthly Theme: Fourth Commandment

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities.
For there is no authority except from God,
and those that exist have been instituted by God.
(Romans 13:1)

Authorities

St. Paul lived in one of the greatest times of peace in human history. The Pax Romana held sway in the Roman Empire from 27BC to 180AD. There was a great peace for Roman citizens and imperial cities. St. Paul is writing to the Christians in the capital city. These Christians lived right in the heart of the Empire. They experienced the greatness of the Pax Romana.

Paul is writing to a church that would be forced from their homes a decade later by the very governing authorities to which they were to be subject. These Christians would later be tortured and burned by Emperor Nero for their faith. How can Paul write these words and expect Christians to abide by them when the government turns against them?

We have the same thing throughout the world today. In Communist and Muslim countries, Christians are persecuted and martyred for professing the Christian faith. But these same Christians believe Paul words, "those that exist have been instituted by God." But it's just one of the great tragedies of our fallen world. They pray, as we do, that God will cause these nations to embrace His Word and proclaim Jesus as Lord. Those who suffer glory in their sufferings, knowing that Heaven waits for them after death. Amen.