Romans, 13
4. for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain; he is the servant of God to execute his wrath on the wrongdoer.
4. for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain; he is the servant of God to execute his wrath on the wrongdoer.
Chapter 13 of the Epistle to the Romans addresses the theme of submission to government authorities. Paul encourages Christians to obey the authorities, as they were instituted by God to maintain order in society. Moreover, he emphasizes that those who rebel against the authorities are rebelling against God's own order.
1 Peter 2:13-14: "Because of the Lord, subject you to every human institution, whether it is the king, as a sovereign, to the authorities, as sent by him to punish the evildoers and praise those who do good. " This verse reinforces the idea that the authorities were instituted by God to maintain order in society, and that Christians must submit to them.
Acts 5:29: "Peter answered and the apostles, more, it is important to obey God than to men." Although Paul encourages submission to government authorities in Romans 13, this verse shows us that there are times when obedience to God is more important than obedience to the authorities.
Titus 3:1: "reminds them that they are subject to rulers and authorities, be obedient, always ready to do all that is good." This verse also emphasizes the importance of submission to government authorities.
1 Timothy 2:1-2: "I recommend, first and foremost, to make supplications, prayers, intercessions and thanksgiving by all men; by kings and all who exercise authority, so that we may have a quiet and peaceful life , with all pity and dignity. " Paul encourages prayer for the authorities, so that society can have peace and tranquility.
Hebrews 13:17: "Obey to your guides and thirst submissive to them, for they sail for your souls as one who is accountable to them." This verse reinforces the idea that authorities have the responsibility to take care of society, and that Christians must submit to them so that they can live in peace and security.
“O amor nada mais é do que o brilho de Deus nos homens”. São Padre Pio de Pietrelcina