The Bible in its teaching deals with all aspects of life. Here the Christian’s attitude to government is under scrutiny. Governments have been appointed by God and therefore in submitting to them we are submitting to God (v1-2).

This was an amazing statement when you realise that the Christians in Rome were living under the emperor Nero. The responsibility of governments is outlined as that of rewarding good and punishing evil on God’s behalf (v3-4).

Paul previously teaches us not to seek vengeance but to leave this to God (Romans 12 v19). The government must act as God’s servant in providing justice for those who have been wronged.  As the government, even bad ones are there by God’s will, we must be dutiful in paying taxes and in giving proper respect. We need to be cautious about how we speak to those over us and we must regularly pray for them. It is always much easier to criticise rather than to pray for those who rule over us. This can be true in regards to our political leaders and in regard to our church leaders.