Re: Verse reading–Romans 13:1-7; 1 Timothy 2:1-4 (day five)
Romans 13 begins to address the other side of the great collision between the Christian and Culture. In Romans 12, Paul writes the words that are SO familiar to many Christians. “Do not be conformed to this world”. So the tension and collision are created. The natural question the believers in Rome would ask is, “What do we do with Caesar?” “Do we support him?” So in chapter 13 Paul anticipates and answers. (By the way, Jesus had the same tension and same questions asked of Him.)
2 insights from this passage help navigate the tension. 1- We must remember that where we live and where we belong are different (Philippians 3:20). Paul uses the concept of “authority” to point this out. 2- Humility and Submission are often the ways that people see and sense our faith and love for God. (1 Peter 2:13-15)
John Piper comments. “Paul risked being misunderstood on the side of submission because he saw pride as a greater danger to Christians than government injustice.“
