Romans 13?

[Murray]

Romans 13 really makes no sense to me, I mean is that not saying hitler was placed in power by god?

Clarification on this would be greatly appreciated

[neo-x]

1 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. 4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.
6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

This is general rule about respecting the state and law, nothing else. God does not appoint bloody leaders like Hitler. Look at the verse 3, we are talking about a just ruler not a psycho (Hitler).

Secondly God does punish his people when the disobey, this was the main theme of the O.T where the Jews disobeyed - they were sent into exile and slavery. But I do not think that patters comes into the N.T. No.

Thirdly, the Newest converts from Judaism and were always hostile towards the Romans. They saw the roman empire as an oppressor and there were some rebellions as well, which were crushed as well. What was happening that a small number of Jews were against the Romans and were not afraid of wielding weapons and they never gave tax. On the other hand when such people converted to Christianity, the brought the same ideology with them or at least they tried to. But our way is not the way of the sword. Also such rebels were often caught and punished to death, Paul saw this as an inherent danger to the early church and believers who had nothing to do with such futile rebellions. Remember Christianity was already facing problems with the roman Govt. and that would soon escalate to the madness which Nero brought. So I believe it was in this spirit that he said what he said in Romans 13.

[ronjohn839]

if you want to be free from the rulers tyranny as verse 3 says, "do what is right and you will b commended." What is right is not subjective to the ruler at the time. Whats right is to obey the great commandment to love God and others. Also Jesus said beware, for there will b many wolves in sheeps clothing. It is true that Hitler tried to appeal to christians, however he was decietful and we are never to blindly follow anyone. One thing to keep in mind is that most rules r made to keep us safe, therfore they are important to follow. Also Paul in verses 6+7 was speaking of taxes. If Christians were to not pay taxes claiming superiority, we would cause conflicts and not keep the peace ( romans 12:18). God bless!!!!!!

[PaulSacramento]

While it is fashionable to take what was written to specific people under a specific context and try to apply it in general terms and with a "broad brushstroke", that doens't make it correct.
Paul's letter to the congregation(s) in Rome was written for THEM and for THEIR circumstances.
Sure we can take some parts and apply them to general theological views and which parts are those? well... the theological ones that Paul speaks in general terms about, like calling on the Name of Jesus to be saved as an example.
Paul's letters had a tendency to deal with GENERAL theological issues AND SPECIFIC social issues of his intended audience.

[Canuckster1127]

Keep in mind that at the time of the writing of Romans, Paul was writing to Jewish Believers living in Rome who were actively being persecuted by the Roman government for their faith in Christ. Paul himself came to Rome in his own experience and tradition says he was beheaded there as a martyr to his faith in Christ. While he was writing in general, the general political climate at the time was far from friendly toward Christians.