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.  Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval. (Rom 13:1-3)

All governments are appointed of God. 

This does not mean that God condone all their actions.

Some kings were wicked.  Others were corrupt.

But God appointed them to rule and execute judgment on wrongdoers (Rom 13:4).

When Paul wrote this epistle, the empire was ruled by Nero Caesar, who was known as a despotic and mad man.  He persecuted Christians and had them thrown into arenas to be mauled by lions.

Yet Paul exhorted his readers to be subject to Caesar.

We are to subject ourselves to the rule of our government.  Subjecting ourselves to them is equivalent to subjecting ourselves to God, the ultimate sovereign Ruler of the universe.

Similarly, rebelling against authority is rebelling against God

We should not slander those in authority.

If we can’t submit to human authority, how can we submit to divine authority, which is at a higher level than human authority.

David served King Saul yet Saul tried to kill him.  He had the opportunity to kill Saul but he would not touch the Lord’s anointed (1 Sam 26:9-11). 

Though he was also anointed to be king by the prophet Samuel, he knew that Saul was king at that time.  He would not take matters into his own hands, but trusted God to deal with Saul.

We are to submit to governing authorities even if they are unjust.

Jesus submitted Himself to unjust authorities and suffered at their hands.  He told Pilate that the latter’s authority came from God (John 19:10-11).

So we are to submit to all governing authorities for their authority comes from God Himself.

This is honoring to God.

(MT)