Romans 13 Line by Line: From Eden to Empire with Matt Mouzakis

The Bad Roman

In Part 3 of our series "From Eden to Empire," we unravel the complexities of Romans 13 and its implications for Christians living under governmental authority. Was Paul truly advocating for unwavering obedience to the state, or was his message more nuanced? We explore the context of Paul's letter to the Roman church in the 1st century, revealing that his words were tailored to address specific circumstances rather than offering a blanket endorsement of government power.

Our discussion delves into the idea of living peacefully within the empire while maintaining allegiance to Christ as the ultimate authority. We examine the distinction between submission and obedience, highlighting that the Greek term used by Paul suggests a voluntary yielding rather than blind compliance. This episode challenges listeners to consider when submission to earthly authorities aligns—or conflicts—with their commitment to Christ.

We also touch on the topic of taxes, suggesting that Paul's references may have been more about local dues and neighborhood authorities than the overarching Roman government. By contrasting the teachings of Romans 12 with the directives in Romans 13, we uncover how embodying the principles of the former can help navigate the challenges posed by the latter.

Join us as we dissect these themes, encouraging a deeper understanding of how Christians can faithfully engage with worldly powers while staying true to their spiritual convictions. This episode promises to provoke thought and inspire meaningful reflection on the intersection of faith and governance. Don't miss this crucial installment as we continue our journey from Eden to Empire.

For Full Show Notes: https://www.thebadroman.com/show-notes/episode-119

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Covenant Theological Seminary

Expedition 44 episode on Romans 13

(1:43) The Historical Context of Romans 13

(3:45) Paul's Mission for Unity in the Church

(5:37) Paul's Revolutionary Gospel

(8:11) The Misinterpretation of Divine Ordination in Political Power

(11:12) The Structure and Themes of Romans

(14:26) The Sermon on the Mount and Its Impact on Society

(17:49) Homeowners Associations in Ancient Rome

(20:45) The Role of Governing Authorities in Early Christianity

(24:20) The Role of Christians in Ancient Rome

(28:20) The Role of Governing Authorities in the New Testament

(52:52) Ancient Societies and Modern Perspectives

(55:31) The Double Voice in Romans 13

(59:13) Allegiance and Conscience in Biblical Context

(1:05:54) Jeremiah 29's Exile Guidance as a Metaphor

(1:08:35) Theological Reflections on Romans 12 and 13

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