Romans 13:1-14: Submission to the Authorities

Rev. Warren Woerth, pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Arnold, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Romans 13.

Over the past few years, Romans 13 has been at the forefront of the thoughts of many Christians. In this chapter, the Holy Spirit inspires St. Paul to command submission to the governing authorities as ministers of God. In no uncertain terms, the Apostle writes, “Whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.” (v. 2) Obvious questions come to mind: What about corrupt authorities and governments? What is the Christian to do when those in power demand submission to ungodly things? Today’s episode has Pastors Booe and Woerth wrestling over these questions as well as how love fulfills the law.