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Our article, “Balancing Allegiances: Understanding Christian Subjection to Secular Authorities in Light of Romans 13:1” offers a comprehensive understanding of Christian duties towards secular powers and God’s Kingdom. Drawing from the teachings of Paul, this analysis presents practical wisdom for contemporary Christians navigating their role in society.

Romans 13:1, found within the inspired Christian Scriptures, presents a profound instruction for Christians: “Let every soul[105] be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except by God, and those that exist have been placed[106] by God.” (UASV)

The dual “superiors” confronting Christians today, just as they have throughout the history of Christianity, are religious and secular authorities. Jesus himself was subject to both during his earthly ministry. He was born under the Mosaic Law, a religious authority (Galatians 4:4), and also under the Roman Empire, a secular authority (Luke 2:1). He understood the principle of subjection to both these superiors and gave clear guidance for all his followers in the “render to Caesar” incident.

In Matthew 22:15-22, the Pharisees and Herodians sought to trap Jesus by asking if it was lawful to pay taxes to Caesar. The wise reply of Jesus not only thwarted their trap but also provided us with an essential legal principle: “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” (Matthew 22:21, ESV) By this, Jesus clarified the need to respect both the religious and secular authorities in their rightful realms.

In the present day, Christians show respect and subjection to “Caesar,” that is, the secular authorities or governments, by being law-abiding citizens and respecting civic laws that do not conflict with God’s commandments. When there arises a conflict between the demands of “Caesar” and God, Christians follow the precedent set by the apostles who proclaimed, “We must obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29, ESV)

The “superior authorities” that Paul refers to in Romans 13:1 include all the various levels of government that maintain order and justice in society. According to Paul’s instruction, these authorities exist because God has allowed them to. Christians are to respect and submit to these authorities, recognizing that they are essential for societal order.

The motivation for Christian submission to the authorities should not be fear but a clear conscience before God. Paul illustrates this by comparing government authorities to a servant of God, who serves the public good by punishing wrongdoing and commending those who do right (Romans 13:3-4).

The instruction in 1 Timothy 2:1-4 supports and extends this understanding. Paul encouraged Timothy, and by extension all Christians, to offer “supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings” for all people, including “kings and all who are in high positions.” The goal of such prayers is a peaceful and quiet life, marked by godliness and dignity. While these prayers do not imply approval of all actions by those in authority, they show respect for the position these individuals occupy.

When a Christian prays for those in authority, it is not a blanket endorsement of all their policies or actions. Rather, it is a prayer for wisdom, justice, and peace, which benefits all people. Christians do not pray for the success of ungodly agendas or the defeat of their personal enemies but for the well-being and righteousness of their society.

As for the matter of voting, 1 Timothy 2:1-4 does not explicitly endorse or condemn political participation. Whether or not a Christian chooses to vote is a personal decision guided by their understanding of Scripture, conscience, and the circumstances of their society.

To be “in subjection” means to recognize the rightful authority of the governing powers and to comply with their laws, as long as these do not conflict with God’s commands. This respect and obedience are not merely external or begrudging but come from an understanding that these authorities have been allowed by God for the current time to maintain order and justice.

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).