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Christians believe that all governments are established by God, but not all laws are to be obeyed. How do we sort this out?
A notable example of religious opposition to authority is found in the life and death of John the Baptist. Rather than endorse Herod, John openly and publicly criticized Herod for his immorality. At the same time, wealthy and powerful Jews were openly supporting Herod’s reign; they found it advantageous to overlook Herod’s sin. In exchange, Herod did some favors for Jews.
Years later, the Apostle Paul wrote something that seems to agree with the idea of siding with the government.
Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. (Romans 13:1–2)
The problem with this passage is that it’s in clear opposition to the behavior of John the Baptist, and Jesus endorsed John the Baptist’s public condemnation of Herod.
Ah, but there’s a problem — Paul didn’t say what you’ve heard quoted so often! Well, he said it, but something is being left out when Paul is quoted. You see, immediately before Romans 13:1 is Romans 12:21. Now, remember — when Paul wrote, there were no chapter and verse divisions. In the sentence immediately before the passage above…