Does God Speak in Romans 13:1–2, or Does the Roman Empire Speak?

Does God Speak in Romans 13:1–2, or Does the Roman Empire Speak? █

Blind obedience or freedom? The great problem of authorities

There is something that has never made sense to me. I acknowledge that God is the one who appoints and removes kings and authorities; that is not in question. But what does not make sense to me is that, simply because God allows someone to be in power, we would be obligated to submit to them as though their authority were unquestionable.

If we follow Romans 13:1–2, the command seems absolute: “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except from God.” Under this logic, if there is a tyrant, we must simply endure it because, in the end, God put him there. But this directly clashes with the rest of the Bible.

How is it possible that we must submit to “Babylon” if the Bible itself commands us to flee from her?

In Revelation 18:4, the command is clear: “Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins.” If God’s people must come out of Babylon in order not to be defiled, how can it be true that we must submit to her? You cannot submit to a system while fleeing from it. If you submit, you are playing its game; if you leave, it is because you recognize that the system does not deserve your obedience.

How can this incoherent discourse be the “Word of God”?

“Let every man submit to every authority, even though authority over every nation has been given to the Devil.” Revelation 13:2 + Romans 13:1–2

Are you sure that the teachings alluded to are truly those of Jesus, or those of a Rome that desired submissive slaves?

392: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for justice, provided that they forget an eye for an eye and love the enemy… of justice.”

382: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst to be struck on the other cheek by their enemies; it is a sign that they love them and follow my teachings.”

381: “All of you who are weary, come to me; carry the burden your enemies command you to carry… but twice as much, and walk twice the distance. The joy you bring them is a sign of your faithfulness and love for your enemies.”

The preceding statements are a critical interpretation based on the following biblical texts:

• Phrase 392 (On justice and loving one’s enemy):
• Basis: Matthew 5:6 (“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness…”) and Matthew 5:44 (“…love your enemies, bless those who curse you…”)

• Phrase 382 (On turning the other cheek):
• Basis: Matthew 5:39 (“…whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.”)

• Phrase 381 (On carrying the burden and walking):
• Basis: Matthew 11:28 (“Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden…”) and Matthew 5:41 (“…whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.”)