{"id":682,"date":"2020-12-09T11:22:14","date_gmt":"2020-12-09T11:22:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stevebelsheim.com\/?p=682"},"modified":"2024-01-17T13:17:39","modified_gmt":"2024-01-17T13:17:39","slug":"romans-131-7-to-what-extent-if-any-must-a-21st-century-christ-follower-be-subject-to-a-governmental-authority-article-5","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.stevebelsheim.com\/?p=682","title":{"rendered":"Romans 13:1-7: To What Extent, if any, Must a 21st Century Christ-follower be Subject to a Governmental Authority? – ARTICLE 5"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

DISCLAIMER: This series of articles reflects the results of my exegetical exercise to answer the following questions: (1) what did Paul intend to convey to his original audience by what he wrote in Romans 13:1-7? And (2) in light of Paul\u2019s authorial intent, how ought Romans 13:1-7 apply to a 21st<\/sup> Century Christ-follower?  In no way, shape or form is this series intended to influence in any way, or cause or be a catalyst for any person to disobey a governmental authority whether it be local, state or federal.   This series is merely the exercise of my right to free speech and to practice my religion under the First Amendment of the United States Constitution:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

INTRODUCTION AND SUMMARY OF TAKEAWAY(S)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Article 5 of this series, I discuss the results of my observation of the fourth Greek sentence, i.e., verses 3-4a, which reads (ESV):<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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3<\/sup> For rulers are not a terror to good [agathos<\/em>]conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good [agathos<\/em>], and you will receive his approval, 4a<\/sup> for he is God\u2019s servant for your good [agathos<\/em>].<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

This sentence set forth a number of attributes that described the relationship between the governing authorities and \u201cevery person.\u201d  In addition, this sentence included one attribute that defined the God-\u201cgoverning authorities\u201d relationship. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In reference to the takeaway(s), it is apparent from these attributes that Paul intended to convey that \u201cgoverning authorities\u201d were to reward or approve or praise \u201cevery person\u201d who engaged in good conduct.  The government was to function as \u201cGod\u2019s servant\u201d consistent with His will for the \u201cgood\u201d of the people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I discuss in Article 6 that what is \u201cgood\u201d is to be determined by the teachings of the Scriptures.  In other words, Paul wanted to emphasize to his audience that \u201cgood conduct\u201d, which most certainly encompassed living a lifestyle consistent with the teachings of God\u2019s Word, was to be praiseworthy by the \u201cgoverning authorities.\u201d   Activities that were \u201cgood\u201d (i.e., consistent with biblical teachings) were not to cause terror or fear in \u201cevery person.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

OBSERVATION OF THE FOURTH GREEK SENTENCE<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

One attribute that defined the relationship between the \u201cgoverning authorities\u201d and \u201cevery person\u201d was for the government to \u201cnot be a terror [phobos<\/em>][i]<\/a> to good [agathos<\/em>] conduct.\u201d   In other words, Paul intended to convey to his audience that biblical \u201cgoverning authorities\u201d were not to be a cause or source of fear by the \u201cevery person\u201d based upon their \u201cgood conduct.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This attribute corresponded to the attributes of \u201cevery person\u201d that he or she were to engage in \u201cgood conduct\u201d and \u201cdo what is good.\u201d  The fourth Greek sentence used agathos<\/em> three times and the ESV translates it as \u201cgood\u201d in every instance.  Because \u201cgood\u201d described the way a citizen was to act and what the government was to do for [the good] of the citizen, I considered the meaning of agathos<\/em> to be very beneficial to gaining a proper understanding of Romans 13:1-7.   In the next article, i.e., Article 6) I present an expanded discussion of the meaning of agathos<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another attribute that defined the relationship between the government and the citizen was that the \u201cgoverning authorities\u201d should give \u201capproval\u201d [epainos<\/em>] to \u201cevery person\u201d who does \u201cgood.\u201d  By this attribute, Paul intended to convey to his audience that the \u201cgoverning authorities\u201d were to praise \u201cevery person\u201d who does \u201cgood.\u201d  Note that the ESV translates the Greek verb ech<\/em>\u014d[ii]<\/strong><\/a><\/em> as \u201cyou will receive.\u201d  It means, \u201cto have or possess objects or property (in the technical sense of having control over the use of such objects)\u2014\u2018to have, to own, to possess, to belong to.\u2019\u201d[iii]<\/a>  Paul had a real expectation that the government would approve or praise a citizen for good conduct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another attribute that Paul identified to define the relationship between God and the government was that the \u201cgoverning authorities\u201d was \u201cGod\u2019s servant for your good.\u201d   The ESV translates the Greek noun diakonos <\/em>as \u201cservant.\u201d   One lexicon defines diakonos<\/em> in this context, \u201cone who serves as an intermediary in a transaction, agent, intermediary, courier<\/em>.\u201d[iv]<\/a>  A theological dictionary discusses diakonos<\/em>, \u201c6. Pagan authorities are servants of God appointed to maintain order (Rom. 13:1 ff.).\u201d[v]<\/a>  Still another resource[vi]<\/a> helps define diakonos<\/em>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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1249<\/strong> \u03b4\u03b9\u03ac\u03ba\u03bf\u03bd\u03bf\u03c2<\/strong> [diakonos<\/em> \/dee\u00b7ak<\/strong>\u00b7on\u00b7os\/] n m\/f. Probably from an obsolete diako (to run on errands, cf 1377); TDNT 2:88; TDNTA 152; GK 1356; 31 occurrences; AV translates as \u201cminister\u201d 20 times, \u201cservant\u201d eight times, and \u201cdeacon\u201d three times. 1<\/strong> one who executes the commands of another, esp. of a master, a servant, attendant, minister. 1a the servant of a king. 1b a deacon, one who, by virtue of the office assigned to him by the church, cares for the poor and has charge of and distributes the money collected for their use. 1c a waiter, one who serves food and drink. Additional Information:<\/em> For synonyms see entries 1402, douloo<\/em>; 2324, therapon<\/em>; and 5257, huperetes<\/em>.See entry 5834 for comparison of synonyms.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

The servant hood by the government was to be for the good of the citizens.  Because the government was \u201cGod\u2019s servant,\u201d the nature of the governing would be consistent with God\u2019s will since the government was God\u2019s agent.  This fact emphasizes the importance to better know what Paul intended by his use of agathos<\/em> [\u201cgood\u201d].<\/p>\n\n\n\n

TAKEAWAY(S) FROM THE FOURTH GREEK SENTENCE<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is apparent from these attributes that Paul intended to convey that \u201cgoverning authorities\u201d were to reward or approve or praise \u201cevery person\u201d who engaged in good conduct.  The government was to function as \u201cGod\u2019s servant\u201d consistent with His will for the \u201cgood\u201d of the people.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I discuss in Article 6 that what is \u201cgood\u201d is to be determined by the teachings of the Scriptures.  In other words, Paul wanted to emphasize to his audience that \u201cgood conduct\u201d, which most certainly encompassed living a lifestyle consistent with the teachings of God\u2019s Word, was to be praiseworthy by the \u201cgoverning authorities.\u201d   Activities that were \u201cgood\u201d (i.e., consistent with biblical teachings) were not to cause terror or fear in \u201cevery person.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

THE NEXT ARTICLE \u2013 ARTICLE 6<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The next article, i.e., Article 6, presents a study of the literary context that impacts Romans 13:1-7 with a special focus on the meaning agathos<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are reading this post and are not a Christian, unless God intervenes, your eternal destination is hell.  But, your destiny can change.  Today can be the day of your salvation. <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Please see my blog (https:\/\/stevebelsheim.com\/2020\/04\/20\/for-god-so-loves-you-2\/<\/a>) for a description of how you can be saved and a more concise description at my (https:\/\/stevebelsheim.com\/2020\/10\/20\/there-is-hope-even-when-there-seems-to-be-no-hope-2\/<\/a> ).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

NOTICE OF PERMISSIONS<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I am mindful of and respect the rights other authors and\/or publishers possess in their works.  I thus try my best to not violate any copyright rights other authors and\/or publishers possess in their works.  The below copyright permission statement is the result of my best efforts to understand that limited usage or \u201cfair use\u201d is available and\/or to secure direct permission for specific works.  The quotations from commentaries are considered to be \u201cfair use.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scripture quotations marked \u201cESV\u201d are from the ESV\u00ae Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version) copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.  Used by permission.  All rights reserved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scripture marked \u201cNASB95\u201d are taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE\u00ae, Copyright \u00a9 1960,1962,1963,1968,1971,1972,1973,1975,1977,1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scripture marked \u201cNCV\u201d is taken from the New Century Version. Copyright \u00a9 1987, 1988, 1991 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Scriptures marked \u201cNET\u201d are quoted are from the NET Bible\u00ae  http:\/\/netbible.com copyright \u00a91996, 2019 used with permission from Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright \u00a9 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scripture marked \u201cGW\u201d is taken from the God\u2019s Word Bible that is a copyrighted work of God’s Word to the Nations. Quotations are used by permission.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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[i]<\/a> Phobos<\/em> means, \u201cthe occasion or source of fear\u2014\u2018something to be feared.\u2019\u201d  See Louw, J. P., & Nida, E. A. (1996). Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament: based on semantic domains (electronic ed. of the 2nd edition., Vol. 1, p. 315). New York: United Bible Societies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[ii]<\/a> The grammar of the verb ech\u014d<\/em> is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

future \u2014 The verb tense where the writer portrays an action or state of being that will occur in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

active \u2014 The grammatical voice that signifies that the subject is performing the verbal action or is in the state described by the verb.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

indicative \u2014 The mood in which the action of the verb or the state of being it describes is presented by the writer as real. It is the mood of assertion, where the writer portrays something as actual (as opposed to possible or contingent on intention). Depending on context, the writer may or may not believe the action is real, but is presenting it as real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Heiser, M. S., & Setterholm, V. M. (2013; 2013). Glossary of Morpho-Syntactic Database Terminology. Lexham Press.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[iii]<\/a> See Louw, J. P., & Nida, E. A. (1996). Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament: based on semantic domains (electronic ed. of the 2nd edition., Vol. 1, p. 557). New York: United Bible Societies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[iv]<\/a> Arndt, W., Danker, F. W., Bauer, W., & Gingrich, F. W. (2000). A Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament and other early Christian literature<\/em><\/a> (3rd ed., p. 230). Chicago: University of Chicago Press.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[v]<\/a> Kittel, G., Friedrich, G., & Bromiley, G. W. (1985). Theological Dictionary of the New Testament<\/em><\/a> (p. 154). Grand Rapids, MI: W.B. Eerdmans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[vi]<\/a> Strong, J. (1995). Enhanced Strong\u2019s Lexicon<\/em><\/a>. Woodside Bible Fellowship.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

DISCLAIMER: This series of articles reflects the results of my exegetical exercise to answer the following questions: (1) what did Paul intend to convey to his original audience by what he wrote in Romans 13:1-7? And (2) in light of Paul\u2019s authorial intent, how ought Romans 13:1-7 apply to a 21st Century Christ-follower?  In no […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[323],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-682","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-government"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stevebelsheim.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/682","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stevebelsheim.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stevebelsheim.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stevebelsheim.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stevebelsheim.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=682"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.stevebelsheim.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/682\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2146,"href":"https:\/\/www.stevebelsheim.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/682\/revisions\/2146"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stevebelsheim.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=682"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stevebelsheim.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=682"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stevebelsheim.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=682"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}