Must Christians Submit to Government? | Kaitlyn Schiess on Romans 13:1–7

In Romans 13:1–7, Paul tells Christians to submit to governing authorities, even calling these authorities “ministers of God.” But does this mean we must always submit? Or, if there are exceptions, what are they and how do we know? Kaitlyn Schiess joins Kirk E. Miller to talk about this much-debated text.

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Episode guest: Kaitlyn Schiess

Kaitlyn Schiess is an author, speaker, and perpetual theology student. She is the author of The Ballot and the Bible (Brazos, 2023) and The Liturgy of Politics (IVP, 2020), and her writing has appeared in Christianity Today, The New York Times, Christ and Pop Culture, RELEVANT, and Sojourner. She is a co-host and senior editor of the Holy Post podcast, and the host of Curiously, Kaitlyn. She has a ThM in systematic theology from Dallas Theological Seminary and is currently a doctoral student in theology at Duke Divinity School.

Episode synopsis

Introducing Romans 13:1–7

In Romans, Paul transitions from doctrinal teaching (Rom 1–11) to practical application (Rom 12–16). In Romans 13:1–7, Paul shifts to discussing Christian ethics, particularly as they relate to governing authorities. Paul instructs believers to submit to governing authorities, emphasizing that these authorities have been instituted by God and serve as his “ministers.”

Debate and key questions

This passage has been a subject of controversy due to differing interpretations and applications, particularly whether Paul’s command to submit is absolute or context-specific. Another key question concerns how to determine exceptions to submission. Scholars and theologians offer a range of interpretations, from those who see very limited exceptions to those who argue for much looser application of Paul’s instructions.

Exploring historical context

Paul’s description of the authorities was shaped by his context. Thus, Kaitlyn and Kirk explore the political landscape under Roman rule and the reality of persecution faced by early Christians. Additionally, the discuss the benefaction system and the dynamics of political power in that era. Paul suggests that governing authorities serve to reward good conduct. However, as Kaitlyn shares, the historical experience of persecution complicates the practical application of this passage.

Broader biblical theology

Kaitlyn and Kirk discuss other relevant passages, including those from 1 Peter, Acts, and examples from the Old Testament. Their discussion includes references to Genesis and the creational mandate, including its concept of government as a creational good.

Analyzing Paul’s theological reasoning

Paul’s instructions in Romans 13 contain both imperatives (commands) and teachings. Understanding the imperatives requires careful analysis of their theological reasonings. As such, Kirk and Kaitlyn discuss the passage’s theological concerns, including God’s sovereignty over rulers and the relationship between subjection and conscience.

Paul argues that governments function as servants of God. However, his language also implies maintaining a higher allegiance to God, the one who institutes such human authorities as his servants. Kaitlyn also identifies the important distinction between submission and obedience.

Paul’s own civil disobedience?

Notable disparities exist between Paul’s message in Romans 13 and his own experiences. For instance, Paul himself faced persecution from governing “ministers.” Also, at times, instead of submitting, he opposed and thwarted them.

This leads Kaitlyn and Kirk to examine the concept of appropriate civil disobedience. They provide examples from church history that illustrate when and how Christians have resisted unjust authority.

Gospel transformation

The discussion connects Romans 13 to the preceding themes from Romans 12, which highlight the transformation brought by the gospel. This gospel transformation (Rom 12) has significant implications for Christian citizenship and the proper response to governments (Rom 13).

Practical teaching recommendations

Kirk and Kaitlyn conclude by offering suggestions on how to teach and apply the passage today. They encourage listeners to learn from the church’s historical struggles and from different cultural perspectives in the global church. They encourage preachers and teachers to emphasize the passage’s broad theological principles and to adapt it to address their specific audience.

They also calls for consistency in applying the call to submit. Kirk and Kaitlyn warn against a selective obedience that aligns only with one’s personal preferences. They highlight the importance of community discernment in interpreting Scripture.

Books by Kaitlyn Schiess

Kirk’s recommended resources on Romans