This exegetical paper engages with Romans 13:1-7, one of the most problematic and debated passages in the Pauline corpus, which has been quoted by many politicians and religious leaders in different ways to solve the tensions arising frequently between church and state. Accordingly, this paper seeks to reinterpret Romans 13:1-7 based on Paul’s character and behavior mentioned in Acts 16-26.
The first part of the paper deals with exegetical issues, namely the world behind the text, the world in the text, and the world in front of the text. Following this, the paper articulates the relationship between Luke and Paul and the Lukan Paul in Acts. After this, the remainder of the paper will focus on interpretation and reflection. Ultimately, this paper argues that Paul, if based on Luke’s depiction in Acts 16-26, may well not have meant blind obedience—when he speaks of submitting to the governing authorities—but reflective obedience.
Table of Contents
Introduction
I. The World Behind the Text
II. The World in the Text
1. Literary Analysis
2. Paul’s Arguments
3. Textual Variants
4. Interpolation
5. Analysis of Key Words
(a) ἐξουσίαις (vv.1, 2a, 3b, 4b, 6b)
(b) ὑποτασσέσθω and τεταγμέναι (vv.1b, 2a)
(c) κρίμα and ὀργὴν (vv. 2b, 4b, 5b)
(d) διάκονός (vv. 4a, 4b, 6b)
(e) συνείδησιν (v. 5b)
III. The World in Front of the Text
IV. Paul and Luke
V. Lukan Paul
VI. Interpretation
VII. Reflection
Conclusion
Objectives and Core Themes
This paper aims to provide a reinterpretation of Romans 13:1-7 by analyzing it through the lens of Paul’s actual behavior and interactions with authorities as depicted in the Acts of the Apostles. The central research question investigates whether Paul’s exhortation for submission to governing authorities mandates blind obedience or suggests a more nuanced, reflective form of engagement.
- Historical and exegetical context of Romans 13:1-7 within the early Christian community.
- Linguistic and thematic analysis of key terms such as authority, judgment, and conscience.
- Examination of the relationship between Paul and his companion, the historian Luke.
- Comparison of Paul’s theoretical political ethics with his practical responses to Roman magistrates in Acts 16-26.
Excerpt from the Book
Paul never blindly obeyed the governing authorities.
In Acts 16:16-40, we read that Paul and Silas were imprisoned in Philippi by the Roman magistrates because they cast a demon out of a slave-girl who brought her owners a great deal of money by fortune-telling. When the slave-owners saw that their source of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace before the governing authorities, accusing them of disturbing the city and advocating customs that are not lawful for the Romans to adopt or observe.
After Paul and Silas were stripped of their clothing by the magistrates and beaten with rods by the crowd, they were thrown into prison. On the next day, the magistrates sent the police to let Paul and Silas go out of the prison in peace. However, Paul did not obey the order, saying: “They have beaten us in public, uncondemned, men who are Roman citizens, and have thrown us into prison; and now are they going to discharge us in secret? Certainly not! Let them come and take us out themselves” (Acts 16:37).
When the police heard that they were Roman citizens, they were afraid and apologized to Paul and Silas. It can be observed that although Paul knew the authority that existed in the Roman magistrates had been instituted by God, he did not blindly obey them. Instead, he demanded justice in the right place at the right time for the right people.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: This section introduces the debate surrounding Romans 13:1-7 and outlines the methodology of reinterpreting the passage based on Paul’s actions in Acts 16-26.
I. The World Behind the Text: Explores the historical context of Rome under Claudius and the socio-political tensions that prompted Paul to provide ethical advice to the church.
II. The World in the Text: Provides a detailed literary, lexical, and textual analysis of Romans 13:1-7, arguing against the theory that it is an interpolation.
III. The World in Front of the Text: Discusses the universal application of the passage and whether it was intended for the specific Roman church or a broader audience.
IV. Paul and Luke: Examines the close partnership between Paul and Luke, justifying the use of Acts as a reliable source for understanding Paul's character.
V. Lukan Paul: Analyzes specific incidents in Acts where Paul interacts with Roman and religious authorities to demonstrate his pattern of respectful but assertive engagement.
VI. Interpretation: Synthesizes the previous findings to conclude that Paul advocated for "reflective obedience" rather than blind compliance.
VII. Reflection: Offers a theological reflection on how Christians should balance divine submission with the reality of authorities that may act against the rule of God.
Conclusion: Reaffirms that Paul’s ethical teachings in Romans must be understood alongside his consistent practice of testifying to the truth regardless of state pressure.
Keywords
Romans 13:1-7, Paul the Apostle, Acts of the Apostles, governing authorities, civil obedience, reflective obedience, church and state, political ethics, exegetical study, New Testament theology, Roman magistrates, conscience, judicial defense.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The paper examines the highly debated passage of Romans 13:1-7 to determine the nature of the "submission" Paul requires from Christians toward civil governing authorities.
What are the primary themes addressed?
The themes include the historical context of the Roman church, the linguistic nuances of Greek terms used in the passage, and the practical application of Paul's political ethics.
What is the main goal or research question?
The goal is to determine if Paul’s command to submit to authorities implies total, blind obedience or a nuanced approach that allows for advocacy and civil integrity.
Which scientific methods are utilized?
The author uses exegetical analysis, contextual historical review, literary analysis of the text, and a comparative study of Pauline epistles against the narrative accounts in the Book of Acts.
What does the main body of the work cover?
It covers the world behind and in the text, an analysis of key Greek terminology, and a thorough review of Paul's encounters with Roman magistrates in Acts 16-26.
Which keywords characterize the work?
The work is defined by terms like reflective obedience, civil authority, Pauline ethics, and Lukan narrative, which collectively bridge the gap between abstract theology and practical application.
How does the author interpret the term "sword" in the context of Romans 13:4?
The author argues that Paul refers to the literal power of life and death held by earthly Roman rulers, rejecting the notion that this refers to angelic or spiritual powers.
How does the analysis of Paul’s trials in Acts support the main argument?
The trials demonstrate that Paul consistently stood up for his rights as a Roman citizen and defended the gospel, proving that his belief in divine order did not stop him from confronting unjust actions by authorities.
- Citation du texte
- MTS (Master of Theological Studies) Van Lal Mal Sawma (Auteur), 2017, The Relationship between the Apostles Luke and Paul and the Lukan Paul in Acts. Reinterpreting Romans 13:1-7 in light of Acts 16-26, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/366795
