Ep 261: The Christology of Romans and Romans 13

In this episode I explore the Christology of Romans and explain how it must condition our reading of Romans 13:1-7. I discuss how many interpreters correctly read Romans 13 within the context of Romans 12 but fail to account for the wider context of Romans, Paul’s other letters, or his historical context. I argue that the high Christology of Romans, in which Paul unequivocally proclaims Jesus as the promised Davidic Messiah who, by virtue of his death, resurrection, and ascension, currently rules over all creation, must condition our reading of Romans 13. I examine five passages, including Romans 1:1-5, 15:7-12, 16:25-27, 8:31-34, and 10:9, in which Paul makes sweeping claims about the universal, objective, and historical lordship of Jesus, and how his gospel results in faithfulness and obedience to him as king. There is no legitimate reading or Romans 13 that does not account for that high, royal Christology and I offer a reflection on how it helps us to better contextualize Romans 13.

Additional Resources

Government as God’s Servant: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-243-government-is-gods-servant-romans-13-isaiah-10-and-jeremiah-25/

Revisiting Romans 13: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-210-revisiting-romans-13/

1 Cor. 2:6-8: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-257-the-rulers-of-this-age-are-passing-away-1-corinthians-26-8/

Ascension in Ephesians: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-248-far-above-all-rule-and-authority-ephesians-115-23/

Matthew Bates: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/the-gospel-and-allegiance-to-king-jesus-with-matthew-bates/

Teresa Morgan: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-164-atonement-trust-and-reconciliation-with-teresa-morgan/