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Romans 13 widely viewed meaning is for christians to follow the rule of law in the land. This view centers on the use of the word "Power" found in verses 1-7 of the the text. A little known fact is that the word "power" in the unabriged English Dictionary can have over a dozen different definitions. Which one applies here? Does it mean the governments authority, the power to act or the right to choose?
The word Paul used in Romans 13 is one of more than half a dozen greek words translated in english into the word "power" in the New Testament.
The Greek word Paul used in Romans 13 is EXOUSIA.
Definition: power of choice; liberty of doing as one pleases. In Hebrews 13:10 and Revelations 22:14 it is translated as "right", and is translated as "liberty" in Paul's own 1 Corinthians 1:9.
Throughout the original text of the bible the greek word exousia translated as "liberty" or "right" would fit in the context of the biblical scripture. In Plato's notes the greek words for freedom are "eleutheros (liberal/free)" and "exousia (freedom/power to do something)", I believe Plato himself knew exactly what those words meant during his time. Also the word "exousia" is considered one of the strongest words in the greek language to mean "liberty."
Knowing this, there should be no question that the word exousia in the original text means power in the sense of "the right to choose" or "liberty of choice." Romans 13 should be read and understood as:
1. Let every soul be subject unto the higher liberty. For there is no liberty but of God.The liberties that be are ordained by God. 2. Whosoever resisteth the liberty, resisteth the ordinance of God; and they that resist shall recieve to themselves damnation. 3. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the liberty? Do that which is good and , and thou shalt have praise of the same;
From beginning to end, the bible is talking about the liberty of men under God rather than the subjection of the people under men like Cain, Lemech, Nimrod, Pharaoh, and even Ceaser. We are not to be the subjects of tyrants. There is a distinction between the privileges of government granted by the people and the rights of the people granted by God. While we are to give to Ceasers what is Ceasers, we are also to give to God what is God's. In todays world often governments think they have the right to that which belongs to God. Christ came to set men free in spirit and truth, even if that means the people appear to disobey the demands of mortal men and their governments.
In Acts 5:29 Peter and the other apostles answered and said, "We ought to obey God rather than men". I believe the apostles definitely had the right idea about this.
God Bless you all, and may the Lord God Almighty keep you safe. In Jesus name, AMEN !!!
The word Paul used in Romans 13 is one of more than half a dozen greek words translated in english into the word "power" in the New Testament.
The Greek word Paul used in Romans 13 is EXOUSIA.
Definition: power of choice; liberty of doing as one pleases. In Hebrews 13:10 and Revelations 22:14 it is translated as "right", and is translated as "liberty" in Paul's own 1 Corinthians 1:9.
Throughout the original text of the bible the greek word exousia translated as "liberty" or "right" would fit in the context of the biblical scripture. In Plato's notes the greek words for freedom are "eleutheros (liberal/free)" and "exousia (freedom/power to do something)", I believe Plato himself knew exactly what those words meant during his time. Also the word "exousia" is considered one of the strongest words in the greek language to mean "liberty."
Knowing this, there should be no question that the word exousia in the original text means power in the sense of "the right to choose" or "liberty of choice." Romans 13 should be read and understood as:
1. Let every soul be subject unto the higher liberty. For there is no liberty but of God.The liberties that be are ordained by God. 2. Whosoever resisteth the liberty, resisteth the ordinance of God; and they that resist shall recieve to themselves damnation. 3. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the liberty? Do that which is good and , and thou shalt have praise of the same;
From beginning to end, the bible is talking about the liberty of men under God rather than the subjection of the people under men like Cain, Lemech, Nimrod, Pharaoh, and even Ceaser. We are not to be the subjects of tyrants. There is a distinction between the privileges of government granted by the people and the rights of the people granted by God. While we are to give to Ceasers what is Ceasers, we are also to give to God what is God's. In todays world often governments think they have the right to that which belongs to God. Christ came to set men free in spirit and truth, even if that means the people appear to disobey the demands of mortal men and their governments.
In Acts 5:29 Peter and the other apostles answered and said, "We ought to obey God rather than men". I believe the apostles definitely had the right idea about this.
God Bless you all, and may the Lord God Almighty keep you safe. In Jesus name, AMEN !!!
