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Question 8

Some colonial legislators tried to nullify the Act, cut off salaries, and judges declared unstamped documents legal—based on Romans 13:2–4 as quoted, how does the chapter frame “legal nullification” and judicial refusal as spiritual rebellion, and what modern parallels might challenge Christians who see such tactics as virtuous?

Another way to ask: Using Romans 13:2–4, why does the chapter treat nullifying the Act and ignoring it in court as spiritual rebellion? What similar actions today might challenge Christians who think these tactics are always good?

Direct Answer Bercot frames these legislative and judicial maneuvers as another form of resisting governing authority and therefore resisting what God has ordained. The chapter treats “nullification” and refusal to enforce the law as spiritual rebellion, not clever patriotism.

Support from Transcript:

The transcript says “colonial legislators passed laws that attempted to nullify the Stamp Act or prevent its enforcement.”
They “cut off salaries to public officials who attempted to enforce the Act,” using government power to obstruct law.
“Some colonial judges even refused to recognize the Stamp Act,” declaring unstamped documents still legal.
Immediately after describing this, Bercot quotes Romans 13:2: “Whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God.”
He adds Romans 13:3–4 to underline that rulers are “God’s minister… an avenger to execute wrath,” implying these acts invite judgment.
He clarifies motivation: Christians obey not mainly from fear, but because resistance equals resisting God.

Discussion Follow-ups What kinds of modern “workarounds” (legal or bureaucratic) do Christians celebrate that might still amount to resisting authority in principle?

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Jumpstarter 8 of 10