Big Idea: Paul declares that government is a divine institution, and so Christians should submit to its authority. He provides two reasons why believers should do so: fear of punishment for wrongdoing, and obedience for conscience’s sake. The specific form that this submission should take is paying taxes. Thus, obeying the authorities is another expression of being a living sacrifice to God.

Understanding the Text

Even though Romans 13:1–7 is a part of general Christian exhortation (cf. 1 Tim. 2:1–3; 1 Pet. 2:13–17) and therefore transcends the immediate context, it is connected to 12:9–21 and 13:8–14 and even to the churches at Rome. Thus, while 12:9–21 requires that Christians love others, including their persecutors, 13:1–7 makes clear that God avenges those who wrong Christians and o…