Team GotQuestions Blog

a Blog for Sharing Stories, Tips & Encouragement

Jesus and Paul on Government

March 30th, 2015

Here’s a question that’s sure to generate some thoughtful discussion: Do the words of Jesus in Luke 13:32 contradict the words of Paul in Romans 13:1-2?

Seeing the climate of our current government, I war with this issue especially in light of Jesus’ words regarding king Herod.

  • Seen by 32
  • Justin Tilghman I think you have two different situations here in Scripture. Jesus is not resisting Herod. Herod is trying to kill Him but it is not yet His time so it will not happen. In the context that we find the verse Jesus is making a statement to the effect that Herod may “try” all he wants to kill him but He has a mission from the Father and no scheme of man will thwart that plan; He will die at the appointed time.

    In Romans 13 we have a different situation, Paul is telling us to not be riotous and give undue cause for the government to judge us. The context in which we find this verse is after chapter 12 where we also find verse 18, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” I think that helps shed light on what Paul was meaning in 13:1-2. It is more or less telling us to, as far as it depends on us, live as good citizens of the government in which we find ourselves.
    March 29 at 1:48pm · Edited · Like · 2
  • Dale Agner Wendyl, not sure what iyssue ou are referring to as your internal conflict. If one recognizes our country is likely in a cycle seen in Judges (repentence, blessing, forget God, judgement, repentence…etc…one should not be surprised if when we live godly principles with reverence and respect, as in 1 Peter 3…we may very likely see in our day that which the Chinese believers endured in the latter half or the 20th century)…What we see in Hebrews 10:32-36 is something we may see in our day…Heb:32 But remember the former days, when, after being enlightened, you endured a great conflict of sufferings, 33 partly by being made a public spectacle through reproaches and tribulations, and partly by becoming sharers with those who were so treated. 34 For you showed sympathy to the prisoners and accepted joyfully the seizure of your property, knowing that you have for yourselves a better possession and a lasting one. 35 Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. 36 For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised….this is a call that we may all face, as by upholding biblical principles of marriage and sexuality, we as believers are more and more being compared to other religious extremes in the world….obedience to Him, and identification with Jesus, realizing that I too may face what is described in Hebrews…we too may face something similar…is this the issue to which you refer?
    March 29 at 7:50am · Like · 1
  • Robert Lowry It’s really interesting how Jesus can call people names when it reflects the truth. He called Herod a fox in Matthew 13:32. God puts in place the rulers he wants, as it suits His purposes, Psalm 8:15-16, and Romans 13:1. But sometimes he sets up lousy rulers, when it suits HIs purposes, Daniel 4:17, 25, and 32. To the extent that describes current government, one wonders what God’s purpose is…could it be to weaken America in such a way, including inhibiting Christian values and influences, that it cannot or will not act in positive ways, that would inhibit the influence of Satan and societal decline, such that it ultimately leads to Jesus 2nd coming? Did the founding fathers of our country have Isaiah 33:22 in mind when they fabricated our government. In that one verse you find the judicial, legislative, and executive branches of government. The problem we have is, in that verse you find that the Lord is the head of it all, not a political party or any kind of political mindset.
    March 29 at 7:58am · Like · 2
  • Tim White Wendyl, I see your struggle. In terms of respecting those God place in governmental leadership, it is expected that we should not disrespect them in name-calling. I suspect that we could call a poor government leader a disrespectful name if we created the universe, empowered government, sovereignly determined how this one official would be used in the scope of things, and could be absolutely, totally sure that we could call one such a name without having rebellion, bitterness or sin in our hearts.
    March 29 at 1:52pm · Like · 1
  • Wendyl Leslie I want to thank each of you who commented on this touchy subject. The Romans 13 passage tells us to honor the king, yet we all know and agree (leastwise, think most of us agree), that we do so providing the king doesn’t violate the laws of God.

    I also     want to believe that most of us would agree that our current “king” has gone against the will of God countless times. The Scriptures makes it clear that God hates evil and those who are wicked (Psalm 5:4-6). Correspondingly, we are to do the same. I join David, the prophets, and the apostle Paul who tells us to: “Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good” (Romans 12:9).

    I find it difficult to honor anyone, much less the “king,” who with impunity, scoffs and mocks at all things Christian. In my mind’s eye, to do so, is the height of hypocrisy.

    Again, thank each of you who took the time to comment. Please know that it not my intention to agitate or offend anyone, but only to solicit your thoughts and share mine. I love all of you and pray that God enriches you and yours . . . always.
    Yesterday at 6:55am · Like · 2
  • Ed Chait Praying for God’s will to be done in a political leader’s life is a more productive use of energy than throwing rotten tomatoes. And more honoring to God and His Word.
    Yesterday at 7:47am · Edited · Like · 2
  • Patrick Thompson all good answers. Two different contexts here to understand, but most importantly, God does command Christians to respect and obey those in govenment as an institution established by God. Paul demonstrates this behavior in many of his direct encounters in (Acts 22, 23, 24-26)
    18 hrs · Like · 1

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