136: Submission to Authority

Romans 13:1-2

In Episode 136 of The View From a Pew, Mac and Theo study Romans 13:1–2, where Paul calls believers to submit to governing authorities as part of God’s divine order. Theo explains that all authority ultimately comes from God, and resisting government is resisting His ordinance. The discussion highlights how this submission reflects trust in God’s sovereignty while distinguishing obedience from blind allegiance, emphasizing the believer’s responsibility to honor authority

Key Passage

Romans 13:1–2 (NIV)
“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.”

Big Idea

Believers honor God by respectfully submitting to governing authorities, recognizing all authority as part of God’s order. Resistance to lawful authority means resisting God’s design and results in consequences, while faithful submission reflects trust in His sovereignty.