Church and State in the history of interpretation of Romans 13:1-7
Church and State in the history of interpretation of Romans 13:1-7

Summary/Abstract: In the history of theological interpretation, the relationship between Church and State has sometimes been reduced to simplistic formulations such as „Romans 13 – Revelation 13‟ (the 13-13 reductionist cliché): either submissive trust, or profound opposition. Obviously, though, there is no easy way of defining this relationship: the Church does indeed „neighbour‟ the State but, given the radical requirements of the Gospel, this „neighbouring‟ is difficult and uncomfortable. Thus, an „ethics of subordination‟ must be continually sifted through an „ethics of critical distancing‟ (as espoused by Jesus in the Gospels) and through an „ethics of resistance‟ (cf. Revelation). Contemporary exegetes are therefore justified in insisting that Romans 13:1-7 must be read in light of the ethical exhortation in 12:2a; this reading is further supported by the eschatological perspective developed in Romans 13:11-14: the State belongs with the temporary order of this world; it is neither absolute, nor supreme; and its representatives are called to be God‟s „servants‟ for the common good, a „good‟ that must correspond to God‟s will.

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