by Darren Miracle
The Restoration Herald - Apr 2026
Whose rules rule? Are we as Christians obligated to obey the state or God? What happens when the two conflict?
Today’s Bible study begins in Romans 13. The Apostle Paul writes this chapter to the Roman Christians who live under the thumb of the Roman Empire. The Roman Empire was a ruthless and corrupt empire that had dominated Israel. Yet Paul wrote to Christians living in Rome and spoke about the duty of Christians to submit to government.
Understanding the Text —
Romans 13:1-7. God Establishes Government. God has established marriage, the family, the Church, and the governments that rule over us.
God’s purpose in government is order and stability. The government is tasked by God to bring punishment on the wrongdoer (verses 3, 4). Elsewhere in 1 Timothy 2:1-2, we are taught to pray for our government leaders. An environment of order and stability gives people the opportunity to be able to think about the Gospel instead of living in constant crisis.
This is a passage for all in law enforcement. Paul states they are “agents of God’s wrath!” What an encouragement to know that keeping the peace IS serving God’s will.
Stability in society is important, and, therefore, it is good to submit to the government. But Paul points out an obligation that we may find distasteful. Paul states our allegiance goes even to the point of paying taxes. As tempting as it may be to dodge taxes, not only Paul, but Jesus said, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s” (Mark 12:17).
Our allegiance also comes in the form of giving honor where honor is due. Public servants deserve our thanks and honor for their service.
Politics can be very divisive. We all have our opinions, but we should be careful to make sure we obey God in honoring and respecting those who serve. One of the best ways to honor government leaders is to pray for them. Pray whether we like them or not! Not only does Paul advocate praying for government leaders, but Jesus also said, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
Discussion Question: What might we pray for political leaders who hold views with which we disagree?
Acts 4:19-20. When Laws Clash with God. The standard obligation of Christians before government is obedience, but what happens when the government is not abiding by its God-given directive to punish evildoing, but, rather, commits evil against people? This was the debate of the American Revolution. At what point is a Christian obligated to subvert a government?
The early church had to face this at times. Peter and John faced immediate arrest for healing a blind man and declaring Jesus the Messiah. The government authorities told Peter and John not to speak in the name of Jesus anymore.
This account of Peter and John teaches that allegiance to God is greater than allegiance to government. If there is a conflict of conscience, we must go with God. We must not allow government laws to cause us to sin.
Discussion Question: What are some present-day examples where Christian faith might clash with civil law?
Balancing Allegiances. Jesus once faced a challenging question about government allegiance. To trap Jesus in an unfavorable answer, the Pharisees asked him, “Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” (Mark 12:14). This question was loaded with trouble.
Either the Romans would have something against Jesus because He advocated not paying the evil occupier empire, or the Zealots would be irate because they wanted to overthrow the Roman rule. The Pharisees thought they had a win-win here, no matter how Jesus answered.
However, Jesus answered, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s” (Mark 12:17). The Christian has dual roles. We are obligated to be great citizens of BOTH! As Americans, we have a calling to participate in the good of this country. This includes political office, voting, and advocating for candidates who support Bible morality.
As citizens of heaven, we are obligated to do the best we can for the kingdom of Christ. This is our time to make His name known, to teach His word, to love our neighbor, and honor our God. Wherever these two roles between the state and the Kingdom of God conflict, Jesus wins.
Discussion Question: In what specific ways can Christians be a positive influence for good within society through government?
Philippians 2:8 says of Jesus, “Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” Did you ever give much thought to the statement “He humbled Himself?”
Yet, the love that Jesus commanded is not about “working to make your neighbor happy by affirming their perceived identities or choices.” For one, happiness is not the defining quality of love. Happiness often accompanies the type of love that Jesus commands, but not necessarily in the short run.
Sometimes Christians can get so excited about the redemption Jesus brings that they fail to tell any other part of the
Biblical story. We rightly rejoice that our sins are forgiven; this truly is great news! However, if this is the only
part of the story you know — or if you mistake this part as being the whole story — it is easy to end up with a
fragmented or even reduced view of the gospel.
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