Responsive reading Scripture context: Romans 13: 1-7; Romans 12: 17-21; Acts 5: 29, 40-41

At the very outset today, please understand that the following comments are solely the beliefs expressed by this simple country boy and are not intended to, nor do they necessarily; reflect the views or policies of any church or denomination.

This morning’s responsive reading is partially due to a discussion, via text messages, with my son concerning the disregard for law and order that is sweeping across the United States. More importantly, it is in response to Christian comments on social media that such violence, lawlessness, and anarchy should be excused. I disagree with that thought, as a Christian, and thus decided to create a Bible reading and commentary expressing a Biblical response based on the truth of Scripture, for the church I attend.

Regardless of whether or not we approve or agree with government policies and legitimate enforcement of the laws of the land, created by its citizens; as Christians we still are to obey and respect the law. We also are called upon to respect the office, even if we disagree with the office holder. Even for non-believers this is all applicable insofar as I am concerned.

Our responsive reading this morning, begins with the apostle Paul telling the members of the Roman church to obey the government, because it was established by God. God knew that left to our own devices, we would live in a constant state of anarchy.

For example, even though God had given the Israelites the Law, as written by Moses: after their leader Joshua died, and the elders that had witnessed the great works of God had also passed, the Israelites lived in great sin. God provided judges for the people to lead them, but still they rebelled against God. Finally, in Judges 21: 25 ESV, we read:

In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.

As a result, the people of Israel were constantly under attack from other nations that they had failed to destroy, as God had commanded. When they disobeyed God and worshipped idols and did what was abominable in His eyes, invariably God allowed other nations to subdue Israel.

A cycle of repentance and a leader rising up to free Israel, would be followed by the people eventually falling back into sin and idolatry. When they repented and sought God, He was always faithful to raise up a new leader to save them.

Judges is a great book in the Old Testament, that speaks of the failures of the Israelites, and the remarkable men and women whom God called to deliver them from their oppressors. Judges is where we read about people such as Deborah and Barak, Gideon, Samson, and others God provided to save the Israelites from oppression.

Eventually we find that the Israelites demanded a king in place of the judges. Kings ruled Israel from that time until the Exile, and did establish law and order. Law and order to a king with the power of life or death over his subjects, could be good for the Israelites, but often ended up in disaster.

Historians indicate that the apostle Paul wrote this letter to the Roman church, during the time of emperor Nero. Nero was no friend to the early church and the Christians that lived under his rule. In fact, Nero blamed the Christians for the burning of Rome, even though a real cause was never determined and it was likely started accidentally. His accusation began a long heightened period of persecution of Christians and the Church.

Yet Paul exhorts us to do good because even bad government does not necessarily punish good. Staying inside the law, while at the same time doing right and good; regardless of how oppressive is the law, will certainly be less likely to incur judgement and punishment than rebellion.

So how can Paul say that government is instituted by God, when so many perceive government as evil and debased? For instance, when we consider the NAZI government of Adolph Hitler in the 1930’s and 1940’s, it is difficult to believe that God instituted that time of atrocity and destruction. Yet to many of the people of Germany that suffered the rape and pillage of their country following World War I, it was initially a great awakening and restitution of dignity and pride.

We have to remember that government, though instituted by God is administered by people. People are flawed, and even great kings over Israel like David and Solomon; committed sins and were far from saintly. Mesmerizing leaders such as Hitler can lead a nation to great heights, but also to destruction. So while government is instituted by God, it is the evil inherent in people that corrupts.

In the portion of the reading from Romans 12, Paul speaks of people who are evil and are enemies of God and people. Paul reminds us to not fall into the evil ways of others, but to resist returning evil for the evil they commit. In fact Paul calls on us to repay evil with good.

Repay evil with good? Now that is a real test of my faith. Personally speaking, I find this very hard to accept. Yet, when we consider how repaying evil for evil will likely only result in escalation of the bad situation; Paul’s words make sense.

This does not mean that we are to join-in with bad or corrupt government. In the US, we have a right to vote and change the way government functions, or more likely in many cases; malfunctions. While this is resisting evil, it is doing so within the law, and simply a form of protest.

Protest leading to insurrection, is only a short step away; especially in the presence of unbridled anger. Staying within the law while speaking out against corruption is faithfulness to God’s ordinance and commands. Violating the law by attacking law enforcement, and hindering them in doing their duty, can only lead to making a bad situation worse.

So, what if we feel that government is corrupt and going against the will of God? First our lives must be in alignment with God’s will, and there must be Biblical context that agrees with our assessment. Second, our approach to change must be through non-violent means. In both cases we must work within God’s will, and continue in faith to promote the Gospel truth.

In the final verse from Romans 12, Paul admonishes us to not overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. When we see injustice and have the resources to help relieve the situation, then working within the law and following our conscience; we are called upon to help. For instance, when we see hunger and lack of resources in other’s lives, doing good by providing deserved assistance should be our response.

What does working within God’s will look like, when trying to correct errant government? This is answered by the final part of the reading for this morning. We are to follow the will of God in all cases. But, in doing so we must be prepared for the consequences. The text from Acts 5 is a good example.

In this text, the apostles have received the Holy Spirit and are daily preaching and healing in the synagogue. The ruling leaders of the Jewish community disagree with the apostles, and order them to stop preaching and teaching about Jesus and salvation. At this point we must understand that the religious leaders were to some extent also government. The apostles response is to inform the leaders and rulers that they must obey God rather than human laws.

The apostles know full well at this point, by refusing to compromise their faith, there will be consequences. To the apostles, the consequences cannot compare to the glory promised for obeying God at all times. The consequences are beatings at the hands of the rulers. However, Luke records their response as rejoicing in the fact that their steadfast faith allowed them to suffer a little of the greater injustice Jesus suffered for their and our sakes.

In the reading from Acts 5, we should also note that the disciples did no violence to the religious leaders. They did not cast stones, or draw swords against them, but instead spoke the truth, gospel, and salvation. Their resistance was moral, not violent

We likewise must obey government, since not doing so is disobedience to God. But, this holds true so long as it does not conflict with God’s will as stated in the Bible. Obedience to government is our duty, but is second to our duty to Christ’s kingdom and his government.

The scripture in this reading does not teach blind obedience to government. It teaches faithful obedience with righteous appeal. The apostle Paul epitomizes the very essence of obedience to government, while also remaining faithful to God.

In Acts 22: 25-29 Paul invokes his Roman citizenship, and in Acts 25:10-12, Paul appeals his case to Caesar. He worked within the law. He did not incite riots, attack guards, nor resist arrest. He took the higher road and used his legal rights, worked within constitutional structure, and respected authority while challenging injustice.

For those participating in the after-worship Bible study, you will recall that Moses did not resort to mob violence to free the Israelite from slavery in Egypt. Instead he repeatedly appealed to God for resolution. As we learned in the study of Exodus, no government, no matter how great; can stand up to God’s sovereignty and might.

In the Bible the book of Daniel provides a great reference to respect for government, but first and foremost following the will of God. In Daniel 3, we can read the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, refusing to bow down and worship the gold image of King Nebuchadnezzar, and facing the fiery furnace. These brave men stood their ground knowing the consequences for disobedience, because they would not violate God’s law.

In Daniel 6 we read of his continued prayer life even though prohibited by Darius’ unjust law, prohibiting prayer to anyone but himself. Daniel faced the lions in their den as a result of his steadfast love for God. In both cases these brave men followed the higher law, but did not use violence or other insurrection to remain true to God. They provide the ultimate example of civil disobedience in the name of God.

Interestingly, John Adams, second president of the United States and constitutional scholar, pointed out that the strength of our constitutional government came from a moral and religious constituency; essentially founded in Judeo-Christian belief and tradition. Since the end of World War II, an era of elitism has slowly crept into government, resulting in a decline in Christian morality, displaced by greed for power and wealth.

Now, not only is there no need for Christianity, but elitism disguised as socialism sees Christianity as an obstacle to its progress. Christianity, that was foundational to the creation of this great country, is now considered an enemy, while a barrage of other religions and abominations before God are unleashed through the media and educational institutions.

So does this mean that our constitutional government is in jeopardy? Truthfully only God knows. But throughout history great nations and civilizations have risen and fallen, and this one likely will be no different. So, what is the answer to saving a government that is based on the morality promoted by Judeo-Christian beliefs and the laws of nature created and empowered by God?

I’m sure there are many ideas, but as in all things, the starting point is God. God’s power and strength can overcome any challenges, as he wills. So prayer is my first thought insofar as saving our country and beliefs from tyranny.

Along with prayer on an individual basis, is prayer of an undivided Church. The Church as we know it has many denominational divisions that are separated by non-essential doctrinal beliefs. Bridging those differences in agreement with a creed such as: In Essentials Unity; In Non-Essentials Liberty, In All Things Love ¹: can bring together phenomenal strength for good change. I like the thoughts found in Proverbs 16: 6-9 ESV:

By steadfast love and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the LORD one turns away from evil. When a man’s ways please the LORD, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues with injustice. The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.S

Persuasiveness through our Christian witness is another way to change the folly that the rest of the world is following. When I write about our Christian witness making a difference in the world, in my mind are the words of Proverbs 15:1 and 16:20-21 ESV:

A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Whoever gives thought to the word will discover good, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD. The wise of heart is called discerning, and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness.

My prayer this week is that my sisters and brothers in Christ take heart and do not despair when the news around us is filled with violence, hate, anger, and anti-Christian rhetoric. Our response should be steadfast faith in God Almighty, Prayer and witness, Prayer and vote…

¹ See: www.brethrenunity.org

© 2026 David Posival: All rights reserved. 

© 2026 David Posival: All rights reserved.