Romans 13:5, Be Subject to Civil Authority

Romans 13:5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath but also for conscience sake.

The Apostle Paul teaches the believers to submit to the rule of government in the city that they reside in. If they break the law, be willing to go through the due process of law. If found guilty, be prepared to face the judgment of the law for whatever wrongdoing. The ruling of the law against committed crime serves as a deterrent for believers. They are to fear to break the law. It would be a setback to their Christian testimony in the sight of the world.

The rule of law protects the citizens in the city including the believers. God is superintending over the process of appointing those in authority in every land. As such, believers are to submit themselves to the rule of law as unto the Lord. God puts in the heart of men a moral code. When they break the law, their conscience pricks them, points to them their crime. The rule of the law of the land is God’s instrument for justice.

In ancient Israel, God appointed cities of refuge, a place of safety or refuge as His merciful provision for those guilty of unintentional killing as opposed to premeditated murder or intentional killing.

Joshua 20:1-3 The LORD also spake unto Joshua, saying, 2 Speak to the children of Israel, saying, Appoint out for you cities of refuge, whereof I spake unto you by the hand of Moses: 3 That the slayer that killeth any person unawares and unwittingly may flee thither: and they shall be your refuge from the avenger of blood. 

It was important in the sight of God that the administration of the law of the cities of refuge be done conscientiously by the leaders to Israel for the protection of the innocent.

God gave the civil laws to Israel that there may be order in God’s cities. This is a model for the nations of the world to emulate. May God help us to hasten the work of the gospel whilst we submit to the law of the land for peace. Amen.