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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 4
Justin Martyr says, “To God alone we render worship. However, in other things we gladly serve you… and pray…”; what lines is he drawing between worship and civic service, and what kinds of modern political behavior by Christians might blur that line in ways the early Christians would have found dangerous?
Another way to ask: Justin says worship belongs only to God, but Christians can still serve and pray for rulers. What’s the difference between worship and civic service, and what modern Christian political actions might mix the two in a risky way?

Direct Answer Justin draws a sharp line: worship belongs to God alone, but Christians can still “gladly serve” rulers and pray for them in ordinary civic matters. The transcript doesn’t list modern examples, but it implies the danger is treating political loyalty as if it were devotion that competes with God.

Support from Transcript:

  • Justin’s two-part statement: “To God alone we render worship. However, in other things we gladly serve you… and praying…”
  • Bercot frames Romans 13 as commanded obedience because rulers are “ordained by God,” not because rulers deserve worship.
  • Theophilus ties civic honor and prayer to God’s will: “If you do this, you will do the will of God.”
  • Theonis limits obedience: only commands “that does not offend God,” implying God’s authority is higher.
  • The early Christian posture includes serving and praying, not overthrowing or rebelling.
Discussion Follow-ups Where might Christians today confuse defending a ruler or a nation with defending Christ? How can prayer for rulers keep civic involvement from becoming worship-like allegiance?

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