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Jumpstarter 2 of 10

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Romans Commentary Chapters 9-16  /  Romans 13:1-7 Submit to the Governing Authorities Part One  /  Discussion Questions
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Question 2
The lesson argues that resisting government brings “condemnation…from both the earthly authorities and from God”; what does that claim suggest about God’s relationship to political authority, and how do you reconcile it with the reality of governments that sometimes act unjustly?
Another way to ask: If resisting the government brings judgment from both the state and God, what does that say about how God relates to political authority? How do you square that with governments that do unjust things?

Direct Answer The transcript teaches that political authority is “ordained by God,” so resisting it is not merely a social offense but spiritual rebellion that brings God’s condemnation too. Yet Bercot also insists unjust rulers do not authorize Christian overthrow; they will answer to God, and Christians obey unless commanded to disobey Christ.

Support from Transcript:

  • Paul’s reason: “there is no authority except by God. The existing authorities are ordained by God.”
  • Therefore, “whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God…will receive condemnation.”
  • Jesus to Pilate: “You would have no power at all…unless it were given…from above,” showing authority ultimately comes from God.
  • Bercot admits rulers “have frequently not followed their mandate,” but “the scriptures do not authorize Christians to overthrow such rulers.”
  • Instead, “such rulers will answer to God.”
  • The one stated exception: obey rulers “except when they order us to violate Christ’s specific commands.”
Discussion Follow-ups What counts as “resisting” versus lawful appeal or endurance? How do we live under unjust rule while keeping a clear conscience before God?

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