Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. (Romans 13:1) 

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. It was most likely that Nero was the Roman emperor when Paul wrote the letter to the Roman church. If you know anything about Nero, it should be this--he was an anti-Christ figure. He lived his life in complete opposition to everything that the Gospel of Jesus stood for and what Paul wrote about in his letter to the Roman church. Nero was selfish, sexually abusive, greedy, and violent. The Christians of Rome would feel Nero's wrath in the 60s when he would blame Christians for the burning of Rome, and a year later he would have Paul executed. This is the context in which Paul writes: "let every person be subject to the governing authorities."    

Paul isn't arguing that the Roman government is worthy of being obeyed because everything they do is godly. Rather, he is arguing that the way of Christ is not to fight so that one side wins and one side loses, but rather to live differently so that all sides may be freed from the bondage of violence and death and sin. Paul is arguing for the living of a Christian life, in defiance to the Roman way of living, and for the acceptance of whatever punishment is dealt out for living as a disciple of Jesus. 

Our life of faith will always be cross-shaped and Paul would embody this himself in his imprisonments and ultimately in his own death. In the Table of Duties Luther uses Romans 13:1-4 to address those who rule. He will have something to say to citizens later. But here he would have those who occupy the holy office of governing authority recognize their responsibility as a servant of God for the sake of peace and good order. We include in the prayers of the Church petitions on behalf of those who rule. Rulers are given a great responsibility from God. They are to rule with the knowledge that God has placed them in their positions of authority. It benefits the Gospel when they acknowledge this, and the Church is enabled to continue to preach forgiveness of sins in Jesus for the life of the world. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Eternal Lord, ruler of all, graciously regard those who have been set in positions of authority among us that, guided by Your Spirit, they may be high in purpose, wise in counsel, firm in good resolution, and unwavering in duty, that under them we may be governed quietly and peaceably; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Duane Bamsch