Romans 13 and ministers of God

[Overitall]

The following passage was referred to in regards to leaders of governments being ordained by God. I cited just a few leaders that have committed great atrocities, like Hitler. I’m interested in looking at this controversy more to determine if the passage actually is referring to government leaders or as I believe a reference to Church leaders. Who are “ordained by God”?

Romans 13:1ff

1Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 3For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: 4For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.

 

[Overitall]

Ephesians 6:17 makes known what the “sword” is in Romans 13.

“And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:”

How often do you see politicians wielding the Word of God to lead his fellow citizens on the path of righteousness?

 

[Goshin]

The following passage was referred to in regards to leaders of governments being ordained by God. I cited just a few leaders that have committed great atrocities, like Hitler. I’m interested in looking at this controversy more to determine if the passage actually is referring to government leaders or as I believe a reference to Church leaders. Who are “ordained by God”?

Romans 13:1ff

1Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 3For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: 4For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.

You may well be right, since it seems pretty obvious the latter parts of the verses cannot be attributed to most worldly rulers, who are often a terror to good works, and evil themselves.

 

[Overitall]

You may well be right, since it seems pretty obvious the latter parts of the verses cannot be attributed to most worldly rulers, who are often a terror to good works, and evil themselves.

That’s the way I read it. Romans is addressed to the Church of Christ’s Body. It’s telling the believers that they should subject themselves to the leaders within the Church. Obviously, you’ll run into issues if you ignore the simplicity of what chapter 13 is speaking of.