Wrestling With Submission to Governing Authorities

Accepting That God Is Still in Charge

The biblical principle of submission to governing authorities is something I’ve always wrestling with. I circle back to it again and again, especially when national and global events flare up and emotions run hot. The tension never fully goes away.

Some people love talking about government. Others avoid it like the plague. I usually land somewhere in the middle. Part of me wants to shut the whole conversation down because life feels simpler that way. The other part of me knows God’s common grace has placed us in a time and place where our voices actually matter.

If God, in His sovereignty, has allowed me to live here, now, under this system, then perhaps, silence isn’t always the faithful option. And the Apostle Paul doesn’t let us stay vague for long.

“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.” Romans 13:1 ESV

That opening line lands like a hammer, doesn’t it? Submission to governing authorities isn’t framed as a suggestion or a political preference. Paul roots it in God’s sovereignty.

Submission Isn’t Optional Just Because It’s Hard

Paul presses further.

“Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.” Romans 13:2 ESV

“For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad.” Romans 13:3 ESV

On paper, it sounds simple. In practice, it doesn’t feel that way.

Church leaders are often just as divided as the people they serve. I’ve prayed through this passage. And I’ve read commentaries from those far more educated than I am. I’ve even sat across tables from older pastors and elders who’ve lived through political cycles longer than I’ve been alive.

And still, I can’t say I’ve landed on a neat formula for where the submission line always sits.

Some argue Paul was only talking about church leadership. That idea starts to fall apart when Paul starts talking about taxes and revenue.

“For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God.” Romans 13:6 ESV

Paul is clearly talking about civil government. Which raises the question we’d rather avoid.

Why would God call His people to submission under rulers who don’t honour Him?

Submission Under Nero Changes Everything

Paul’s letter to the Romans was written between AD 56 and 58. That places the Roman church squarely under Emperor Nero. In case you’re new to Roman history, he wasn’t a seasoned, wise leader. He was a teenager when he came to power!

He wasn’t even the rightful heir, but adopted, elevated through corruption, and surrounded by violence from the very beginning. Christians were already viewed with suspicion. Their belief in a returning King didn’t sit well with an empire obsessed with glory, power, and control.

Add in a corrupt Senate that often spoke more for their pocketbooks than the people, and you have a political environment that makes ours look tame. And yet, Paul still writes about submission to governing authorities.

So, as you can see, God didn’t wait for a just ruler before giving Paul this instruction. He didn’t wait for a Christian nation or even for clean, balanced politics. He spoke these words into the chaos, corruption, and fear of shady political power.

The history forces us to reckon with the reality that submission to governing authorities isn’t rooted in the goodness of leaders, but in the sovereignty of God.

God’s Definition of Good Is Bigger Than Ours

Paul says rulers are God’s servants “for your good.”

“For he is God’s servant for your good.” Romans 13:4 ESV

That line stings doesn’t it? If the government is meant for my good, why does it so often feel harmful, restrictive, or unjust?

The key is remembering that God’s definition of good isn’t limited to comfort, freedom, or financial security. History shows us that even under persecution, the Gospel spreads. Sometimes what refines faith and advances the kingdom doesn’t feel good in the moment.

Jesus Himself modeled this. When questioned about taxes, He paid them, even knowing the system was corrupt. He refused to become the political and military figure many hoped for. And He didn’t rally an uprising. Instead, He loved people, healed the broken, and confronted religious hypocrisy far more than Roman power.

That’s one reason many still missed Him as Messiah. They wanted (and still want) political deliverance. But Jesus brought (and brings) spiritual rescue.

Living This Out in Canada and Beyond

I’ve watched this play out firsthand. As a Canadian who has lived in the United States, I’ve seen believers swing hard with every election cycle. I’ve heard Christians on the Left and the Right call one candidate evil and the other a saint. Which is it? Who’s correct in their assessment?

Regardless of which way I lean politically, Scripture reveals that both candidates are fallen human beings capable of significant failures, and even evil deeds, if and when the right opportunity presents itself.

“Surely there is not a righteous man on earth who does good and never sins.” Ecclesiastes 7:20 ESV

Canada hasn’t escaped this either. Having more parties doesn’t mean less division. The last few years have strained trust, exposed fear, and forced hard conversations. I’ve spoken publicly when I felt pastoral responsibility required it, especially when freedoms shifted quickly and people felt disoriented.

At the same time, I’ve felt the weight of Paul’s words more than ever. Submission to governing authorities doesn’t come easily when questions pile up and answers feel twisted. Maybe you feel that tension too.

Love Comes Before Submission

One detail in Romans often gets overlooked. Before Paul ever addresses submission to governing authorities, he spends an entire chapter calling believers to love.

“Bless those who persecute you.” Romans 12:14 ESV

“Do not repay anyone evil for evil.” Romans 12:17 ESV

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:21 ESV

That’s the soil Romans 13 grows out of. Love, humility and trust in God’s justice.

I often wonder if the Roman church was just as divided and frustrated as we are. Maybe there were believers wrestling late into the night, wondering how to honour God without losing their conscience.

If that was the case, we should think deeply on why God didn’t remove the tension. Instead, He called His people to faithfulness inside it.

Submission to Governing Authorities Is a Test of Trust

It would’ve been a lot easier if Paul wrote this under righteous rulers. And it would’ve been easier still, if everyone shared the same faith. But God spoke through Paul under corruption, persecution, and fear because God knows our hearts.

1. Without pressure, we drift.
2. Without challenge, we grow apathetic.

Submission forces us to decide where our trust actually sits in the correct place. If we’re dissatisfied, thank God for the test. It often reveals what we cling to.

Now, if you really want to see our nation shaped by God, it won’t happen through outrage and endless arguments. Biblical and historical evidence tells the story that it will only happen through prayer, witness, repentance, and love lived out humbly and consistently.

Paul reminds his apprentice Timothy of this posture:

“I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions.” 1 Timothy 2:1–2 ESV

Only God changes nations. Our role is to stay faithful, love well, pray deeply, and trust that He’s still in charge.

Join the Conversation; Answer This Question

• Where do you feel the most tension right now when it comes to submission to governing authorities and trusting God’s sovereignty?