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what was the common roman view of divine authority behind the emperor's rule?

Adds the setting and its conversation across both testaments.

Romans 13:1-2

“Let every soul be in subjection to the higher authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those who exist are ordained by God. Therefore he who resists the authority withstands the ordinance of God; and those who withstand will receive to themselves condemnation.”

The Apostle Paul, writing from Corinth in the mid-1st century CE, addresses the young Christian community in Rome. He encourages them to live peaceably within society, particularly in their relationship to the governing powers, as they await the return of Christ.

How does recognizing the source of authority influence how we engage with governing powers today?

Then — the setting

In the Roman world, especially during the Pax Romana, the emperor's authority was increasingly linked to divinity. Emperors were often deified after death, and some, like Augustus, were honored with divine titles during their lifetime, suggesting their rule was divinely sanctioned. The imperial cult, where people worshipped the emperor, was a common civic duty, challenging the exclusive worship of the one God for Jews and Christians. Paul wrote Romans around 57-58 CE, likely during Nero's reign, before the widespread, violent persecutions but at a time when Christians were still a small, often misunderstood minority within the vast Roman Empire. His counsel here might have aimed to prevent believers from unnecessary conflict with the state, which could have led to persecution and hindered the spread of the gospel.

Across the Testaments

The Old Testament often presents God as the ultimate sovereign who 'removes kings and sets up kings' (Daniel 2:21), exercising authority over even pagan rulers like Pharaoh or Nebuchadnezzar. While it affirms God's ultimate power behind earthly rule, it also contains narratives of resistance and prophetic critique against unjust leaders who defy God's law or oppress God's people (e.g., Elijah confronting Ahab, the Exodus from Pharaoh). The New Testament, particularly in Paul's writings, continues to assert God's sovereignty over all human powers, but in passages like Romans 13, it emphasizes submission as a general principle, potentially as a witness to peace and order in a pagan context, while Revelation offers a stark critique of oppressive imperial power.

Keep thinking

Read alongside it

1 Peter 2:13-17
This passage echoes Paul's counsel to submit to human authorities 'for the Lord's sake,' framing it as part of honorable conduct among non-believers.
Titus 3:1-2
Paul instructs Titus to remind believers to be 'in subjection to rulers and authorities,' emphasizing good works and peaceful behavior.

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