The epistle to the Romans may have been written around 57 AD. If that timing
is accurate, then Nero would have been the Emperor.
"... for there is no authority except that which God has established"
Romans 13:1Can you imagine how difficult it would have been for the early Christians to
believe that he ruled because God put him there? After all, they would
suffer incredible persecution under a man as evil as Nero and his minions.
Yet, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, that is exactly what Paul told
this early church to do. Moreover, he gave them instructions on the proper
citizenry of a Christian in an evil empire: be submissive, pay your taxes,
and follow the laws of the land. The Supreme Giver of the Law is God. One should be obedient to governments
only so long as he is not forced to disobey God. Whatever our circumstances,
we must be responsible citizens as well as obedient, and thus responsible,
Christians. Heading into this weekend, pray that our leaders and our nation
will acknowledge and honor God as the ultimate authoritygraciously
submitting to His established dominion and displaying His limitless love.Recommended Reading: Romans 13:1-10- Peggy Gustave
is accurate, then Nero would have been the Emperor.
"... for there is no authority except that which God has established"
Romans 13:1Can you imagine how difficult it would have been for the early Christians to
believe that he ruled because God put him there? After all, they would
suffer incredible persecution under a man as evil as Nero and his minions.
Yet, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, that is exactly what Paul told
this early church to do. Moreover, he gave them instructions on the proper
citizenry of a Christian in an evil empire: be submissive, pay your taxes,
and follow the laws of the land. The Supreme Giver of the Law is God. One should be obedient to governments
only so long as he is not forced to disobey God. Whatever our circumstances,
we must be responsible citizens as well as obedient, and thus responsible,
Christians. Heading into this weekend, pray that our leaders and our nation
will acknowledge and honor God as the ultimate authoritygraciously
submitting to His established dominion and displaying His limitless love.Recommended Reading: Romans 13:1-10- Peggy Gustave
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