“…there is no authority except from God…” – Romans 13:1
To understand Paul’s message about submitting to governing authorities, we must step into the world Jesus and the early believers lived in. Rome ruled with an iron fist. Taxes were crushing, and tax collectors operated like legalized extortionists—buying tax franchises from Rome and squeezing as much money as possible from the people. They were viewed much like modern‑day mafia figures. Zacchaeus is a perfect example; after meeting Jesus, he confessed his corruption and promised to restore fourfold what he had taken. And above these tax collectors stood Caesar Augustus, whose power was so absolute he could order an empire‑wide census with a single decree. The Jews had no representation, no voice, and no protection from injustice. Yet Jesus still said, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s” (Matthew 22:21). He paid His taxes—even when the system was unfair.
The world of Jesus and Paul was also marked by slavery, oppression, and rulers who wielded terrifying authority. The Caesars were treated as gods, their word becoming law. Augustus controlled the military, the senate, and civil affairs. In Palestine, Herod the Great ordered the slaughter of infants, and his son executed John the Baptist without consequence. These were the leaders under whom Jesus lived. He saw the corruption, the injustice, and the suffering of the vulnerable. Yet He did not launch a political revolution or lead a civil uprising. Instead, He preached the Gospel—because He knew that true transformation begins in the heart, not in the halls of government.
Jesus wasn’t building a new nation; He was building His Church. And He did so under one of the most oppressive governments in history—a government that ultimately crucified Him. Yet through that unjust death came salvation for all who believe. Paul’s message becomes clearer when we remember this: God’s sovereignty is not hindered by corrupt rulers, unfair systems, or broken institutions. He works through them, above them, and in spite of them to accomplish His purposes.
Ask God to help you trust His sovereignty even when earthly authority feels unfair. Pray for leaders, even those you disagree with. Live honorably, obey the laws that do not violate Scripture, and focus on advancing the Gospel—the one message that truly changes hearts, societies, and nations.
“The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord,
Like the rivers of water;
He turns it wherever He wishes.” – Proverbs 21:1
surrendered devotions 