Sunday Sermonette: The Divine right of kings

Useful takeaways from this story.

Paul claims that all rulers are placed on their thrones by God, so you must obey them.

This is what the Chinese called the mandate of heaven, and Europeans called the divine right of kings.

Some people thought that Jesus intended to incite a revolt against Roman rule, but Paul says that would be a grave sin.

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The useful part

Paul claims that all rulers are placed on their thrones by God, so you must obey them. This is what the Chinese called the mandate of heaven, and Europeans called the divine right of kings. Some people thought that Jesus intended to incite a revolt against Roman rule, but Paul says that would be a grave sin.

How it works

Paul is saying, however, that kings rule by divine right regardless of their own religious beliefs.
I'll just note that many contemporary Christians do not believe this at all.
They want to replace existing regimes with a Christian nationalist dictatorship, which, oddly, God has not done so far.
Yeah, it's weird as hell, but basically, Paul doesn't want to be prosecuted again.
13 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.

What to take from it

2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. If you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason.

Details worth keeping

Oh yeah, the judgement day is coming very soon, so get ready. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Then do what is right and you will be commended.

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