Page:The Net of Faith.pdf/705



Saint Paul finishes his speech by saying,

These words of Saint Paul make it clear that he is not speaking of authorities of the Christian faith but of pagans in Rome. He admonishes them to be subject not only because of wrath but also because of conscience.

1) First, concerning wrath. (:If the subjects disobey their lord, they shall be punished by the might of the lords, through imprisonments, executions, expropriations. Pilate punished the Jews for their rebellion, and therefore Paul admonishes the faithful not to incite the anger of Emperor Nero or other pagans who shed the blood of the Christians.:)

2) Second, concerning conscience. (:If the governing authorities do good, to resist them would mean to scorn the law of God. For God asks us to live peaceably with all, as far as it depends on us. As Christians, we live – a small minority – among pagans, and the restraining power of authority is for their good.:) Rom. 13:5–7,.

Lk. 13:1.

Rom. 12:18. 249*