Romans 13:6-7 is part of a letter found in the New Testament of the Bible, and it is traditionally attributed to the Apostle Paul. From an evangelical Christian perspective, Paul is regarded as a key figure in early Christianity and one of its most prolific writers, having authored several letters (epistles) that are included in the New Testament.
In Romans 13:6-7, Paul discusses the role of government and the responsibilities of Christians regarding authority. He emphasizes that governing authorities are instituted by God and that Christians are to submit to these authorities, paying taxes and giving respect as necessary:
> “For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.” (Romans 13:6-7, ESV)
### Context and Themes
1. **Authority and Governance**: Paul stresses the divine order of government, portraying it as an institution meant to maintain order and justice.
2. **Christian Responsibility**: The passage highlights the responsibility of Christians to obey the laws of the land and fulfill their obligations as citizens, including the payment of taxes.
3. **Divine Sovereignty**: Evangelicals generally interpret Paul’s message as a reinforcement of God’s sovereignty, indicating that all authority ultimately derives from Him.
4. **Moral Responsibility**: While advocating submission to governmental authority, some evangelicals also understand this passage as a call to promote just and righteous governance. They may emphasize that obedience should not extend to laws or commands that contradict God’s moral law.
### Historical Context
The letter to the Romans was written around A.D. 57 during Paul’s third missionary journey. At this time, the Roman Empire was the dominant political power, and Christians were a minority group facing various challenges. Paul’s writings often addressed issues of morality, faith, and community dynamics within the church.
### Paul’s Life and Ministry
Paul, originally known as Saul of Tarsus, was a Pharisee who initially persecuted Christians before experiencing a profound conversion on the road to Damascus. He became a missionary, traveling extensively and establishing churches across the Roman Empire. His theological teachings have significantly shaped Christian doctrine, including issues of salvation, grace, and the relationship between Jews and Gentiles.
In summary, from an evangelical perspective, the Apostle Paul is the most likely author of Romans 13:6-7, and his teachings in this passage offer guidance on the Christian’s relationship with civil authority, reflecting deeper theological themes of God’s sovereignty and moral responsibility.
