In Chapter 13, Paul’s focus is the authority of the government, and how the Christian should respond to such authority. In Paul’s time, there were overzealous Jews who claimed that they would honor no authority other than God, and therefore, pay no taxes to any authority other than God. Sounds kind of convenient doesn’t it? It reminds me of the passage in Matthew 22 where the Pharisees along with the Romans try and catch Jesus off-guard by asking him about politics. Jesus very plainly says, “give to Caesar what is his, and give to God what is his.”
Paul’s writings affirm the same position. There is no authority on this planet that hasn’t been allowed by God himself. Therefore, when we don’t submit to authority, we question the sovereignty of God. In fact, Paul makes it clear that the person who rebels against the governing authorities rebels against God.
It sounds to me like Paul is arguing that Christians should set the standard for what is considered a “good citizen.” We see a tremendous example of this in Scripture with Daniel, who earns respect from the foreign leaders around him, yet knows exactly when to draw the line when his faith is challenged.
We can’t assume that following and respecting authority means we have to compromise on our faith. But sadly, many Christians these days are quick to use their “rights” to veto any obligation to authority. To those observing who do not believe, this kind of attitude sends a message loud and clear that Christians are no different than any other type of person in the world.
Paul says it best when he writes, “Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.”