Introduction
The Jews were notorious for rebelling against Rome. Rome was a pagan heathen nation. There was constant friction they did not want to submit to what they saw as an illegitimate authority. John 6 when Jesus made bread for them they were ready to make Christ King. They would gladly have taken Him as king if He was going to conquer Rome. The Jews wanted to take over Rome. The Zealots were a political party and they were violent. Barabbas was a zealot. Any Jew who paid tribute to Rome were hated by the zealots. Generally the Jews feared the zealots but cheered for them as well.
AD 70 Jerusalem was destroyed. Rome had no mercy but there was a long history of rebellion prior to that. So when Paul says this it has significant meaning. For the believers at the time they had to understand not to have this same mentality.
“Every soul” – “authorities” “rulers” is speaking about secular governing authorities. There is no authority except from God. Every form of government has been put in place by God. How do we justify dictators? Evil kings? Yes God appoints these and He has reasons for doing so. Sometimes its to sanctify his people, and sometimes its to punish. God is sovereign.
Why must we submit? Because there is a higher authority. “Appointed” means arranged.
Daniel 2:21 (NKJV) And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise And knowledge to those who have understanding.
Romans 13:1 (NKJV) Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.
Romans 13:2 (NKJV) Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.