Romans 13 - Introduction

J. SUBJECTION TO "THE POWERS THAT BE" (Ch. 13)

The following extract from Thomas Scott's remarks on Romans 13 is full of strong sense and clear statement:

"Perhaps nothing involves greater difficulties, in very many instances, than to ascertain to whom, either individually or collectively, the authority justlybelongs … If then, the most learned and intelligent men find insuperable difficulties … respecting this subject, how shall the bulk of the people be able to decide it? And if Christians are first to determine concerning the rightby which their rulers possess and exercise authority, before they think themselves bound to obedience, they must very commonly indeed be engaged in opposition to -the existing authorities." But the Apostle's design was to mark out the plain path of duty to Christians, however circumstanced.… Submission in all things lawful [i.e., not forbidden by the Supreme Divine Authority] to -the existing authorities" is our duty at all times and in all cases; though in civil convulsions, and amid great revolutions, or sudden changes in governments, there may frequently, for a season, be a difficulty in determining which are … -the existing authorities." "