Romans chapter 13 and 1st Peter 2:13-14 are often used out of context to suggest that we should submit unconditionally to every decree of any government. This is clearly false both logically and exegetically, but has come up recently regarding the protests by largely Christians groups of people against governor Newsom's tyranny.
This topic deserves a very thorough undertaking, but I'll be brief for now and possibly post on this again in the future.
First, notice in both Romans 13 and 1 Peter 2, that the role of secular government is explained in similar wording.
In Romans 13:3 we have, "For 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."
1 Peter 2:14 says, "Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well."
Therefore we see that the role of government (which I think we all intuitively understand) is to judge righteously, punish evil, and also to reward good. Makes sense right?
Now ask yourself if that describes the United States, the country that butchers nearly a million unborn babies every year? Did you know your tax dollars support this atrocity? Realize that when SWAT teams are sent to shut down churches and barbershops for opening their doors, but allow mass riots, beatings, and looting to continue, this isn't a moral government.
California's tyrant governor demanded that Orange County's beaches be shut down, small businesses close their doors, and prohibited Christians from attending church and worshiping God as the Bible commands us to do. Some of these restrictions are slowly being lifted but this is not freedom, and this is not punishment of evil and rewarding of good. However, it's sad to say that many Christians would just throw away their Bible if the government made it illegal to own one. Some out of fear, and some because of a gross misunderstanding of the Bible's instruction regarding government.
But in the Bible we see the apostles suffering constant persecution for following the commands of Christ!
Regarding Acts 5:29, brilliant Bible commentator Adam Clarke said, "The same answer they gave before, Acts 4:19, founded on the same reason, which still stood good. We have received our commission from God; we dare not lay it down at the desire or command of men [emphasis added]."
Christians: Do not let tyrant governor Newsom dictate when and how you worship the Lord God. Please join us for our weekly Bible studies and leave masks at home :)
Please review the articles below for further study on this issue.
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