Romans 13: The Higher Powers Are the Apostles and the Church-An Alternate View

Romans 13: The Higher Powers Are the Apostles and the Church-An Alternate View

Romans 13 is often cited as a call for Christians to submit to the Roman Empire and its rulers—especially to figures like Nero, who reigned during the time Paul wrote. But what if Paul wasn’t talking about the Roman government at all? What if “the higher authorities” in Romans 13 referred instead to the spiritual authority of the apostles and the New Covenant church?

This view is popular in Anabaptist circles. By turning to the Young’s Literal Translation, and reading Paul in context with Jesus’ teachings and the authority granted to His apostles, a clearer picture emerges: Romans 13 is not a blanket command to obey oppressive governments—it is a call to honor the divinely appointed leadership of Christ’s kingdom.

Render to God the Things that Are God's

In Matthew 22:19–21, Jesus says:

“‘Shew me the tribute-coin?’ and they brought to him a denary; and he saith to them, ‘Whose is this image and the inscription?’ they say to him, ‘Caesar’s;’ then saith he to them, ‘Render therefore the things of Caesar to Caesar, and the things of God to God.’”

Jesus draws a distinction. What bears Caesar’s image belongs to Caesar. But what bears God’s image—people, and particularly His church—belongs to God. Romans 13 must be read in light of that distinction. There are earthly governments, but there is also a heavenly government being formed on earth: the church, ruled not by Caesars, but by Christ and His appointed apostles.

The Apostles: The Higher Authorities in Christ’s Kingdom

Consider what Jesus gave to His apostles:

“I will give to thee the keys of the reign of the heavens...” (Matt. 16:19)

“Verily I say to you, Whatever ye may bind upon the earth shall be, having been bound in the heavens...” (Matt. 18:18)

“If of any ye may loose the sins, they are loosed to them...” (John 20:23)

“Having called together his twelve disciples, he gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases...” (Luke 9:1, also Matt. 10:1, Mark 6:7)

“All authority was given to me in heaven and on earth; going, then, disciple all the nations...” (Matt. 28:18–20)

Jesus didn’t give civil rulers the keys to the kingdom of God—He gave them to His apostles. The apostles exercised heavenly authority on earth. They were the stewards of the reign of God, not Caesar.

The Sword of the Spirit, Not the Sword of Rome

Paul says in Romans 13:4 (YLT):

“for it is a ministrant of God to thee for good; and if thou mayest do the evil, fear, for not in vain it doth bear the sword...”

Many assume this refers to the literal sword of Roman magistrates. But Paul, elsewhere, speaks of another sword:

The phrasing is very similar to 1 Timothy 1:8-9.

1 Timothy 1:8-9

8 Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully, 9 understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers,

“Think not that I came to put peace on the earth; I did not come to put peace, but a sword...” (Matt. 10:34)

“...the sword of the Spirit, which is the saying of God...” (Eph. 6:17)

“...the word of God is living, and working, and sharper than every two-edged sword...” (Heb. 4:12)

The apostles bore the sword—not of steel, but of truth. Their authority was spiritual, yet with real power to build up and correct. They had the power of excommunication, doctrinal authority, and the Spirit-led guidance of the assemblies.

Servants of Christ to the Assemblies

Paul begins many of his letters calling himself a servant of Christ, not of Caesar.

“Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, a called apostle, having been separated to the good news of God...” (Rom. 1:1)

“Paul and Timotheus, servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints...” (Phil. 1:1)

“Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ...” (Titus 1:1)

Even outsiders recognized the apostles' role:

“These men are servants of the Most High God...” (Acts 16:17)

This was the structure Paul upheld in Romans 13. The apostles were the appointed “higher powers”—they were ministers of God in the spiritual kingdom. Submission to them was submission to Christ Himself.

Tribute and Dues to the Church

Romans 13:6–7 (YLT) says:

 “for because of this also pay ye tribute; for servants of God they are, on this very thing attending continually...”

To whom were the early believers paying tribute? In Acts 6:1–6, believers brought resources to the apostles, who appointed deacons to distribute them. This wasn’t a civil tax—it was the support of the church.

Just as the temple had tithes under the old covenant, so the early church supported its ministers with “dues” and “tributes.” These were spiritual offerings, given to God’s servants—not to Caesar.

Conclusion: The True Government is Spiritual

Romans 13 is not Paul urging blind submission to Rome. That would be unthinkable given Nero’s cruelty and persecution of the saints. Rather, Paul calls believers to honor the true servants of God—the apostles and the New Covenant assembly.

Their sword was the word. Their government was the reign of heaven. Their tribute was for the care of the poor and the teaching of the gospel. And their authority came not from Rome—but from Christ Himself.