Seventh Day Baptist
Christian Education Council
PO BOX 1678
Janesville, WI 53547
—Romans 13:1-10
by: Dale Rood.
Submit to the governing authorities. Does this include unjust governing authorities? The authorities in Paul’s day were certainly not just. The key here is not just or unjust. The key is that, whether just or unjust, the governing official is a servant of God. He is part of God’s plan for the area where he has authority. You do not have to agree with him. You can even resist the exercise of his authority when it is wrong. But he still deserves your respect. He still needs to receive your taxes (v.7). The bottom line is that all must be done out of love and respect (v.10).