"THE SUPERIOR AUTHORITIES"

The apostle Paul wrote: "Let every soul be in subjection to the superior authorities, for there is no authority except by God." Who are the "superior authorities"? Paul's words in succeeding verses show that they are human government authorities. (Romans 13:1-7; Titus 3:1) Jehovah did not originate man's governmental authorities, but they exist by his permission. So Paul could write:  'The existing authorities stand placed in their relative positions by God," What does this indicate about such earthly authority?  ( John 19:10, 11) Therefore, when there is a conflict between man's law and God's law, Christians must be guided by their Bible-trained conscience.  They"must obey God as ruler rather than men." Acts 5:29.

Much of the time, however, the governmental superior authorities act as 'God's minister to us for our good.' (Romans13:4) Well, think of the numerous services  the superior authorities provide, such as mail delivery, police and fire protection, sanitation and education.  "That is why you are also paying taxes," wrote Paul,  "for they are God's public servants constantly serving this very purpose." ( Romans 13:6) With regard  to taxes or any other legal obligation, we  should "conduct ourselves honestly." Hebrews 13:18.

At times, the superior authorities misuse their power.  Does this absolve us of  our responsibility to remain in  subjection  to them? No, it does   not. Jehovah sees the misdeeds of these authorities. (Proverbs 15:3) His toleration of man's rule does not mean that he winks  at its corruption; nor does he expect us to do so. Indeed, God will soon "crush and put an end to all these kingdoms," replacing them with his own righteous government. (Daniel 2:44) But until this  occurs, the superior authorities serve a useful purpose.


Paul explained:  'He who opposes the authority has taken a stand against the arrangement of God."   ( Romans 13:2) The superior authorities are  arrangement   in that   they   preserve a measurement of order,  which  chaos and anarchy would reign.  Opposing them would be unscriptural and  senseless.      To   illustrate: Imagine that you had undergone surgery and  stitches were securing the wound.  Though the stitches are foreign to the body,  they serve a purpose for a limited time  removing them prematurely could be harmful.    Similarly, human governmental authorities were not part of God's original purpose. Until his Kingdom is ruling the earth completely, however, human  governments hold society together, performing a function that fits in with God's will for the present time.  We should thus remain in subjection to the superior authorities, while we give priority to God's law and authority.

Next time: AUTHORITY IN THE FAMILY

The Book - KNOWLEDGE That Leads To Everlasting Life, 1995