The Politicization of Paul: Romans 13:1-7 in Recent Discussion

Abstract

To those who regard the Letter to the Romans as part of a thoroughgoing critique of Roman power and ideology on the part of Paul, the first seven verses of Chapter 13 represent a major problem of interpretation, since they appear to represent endorsement rather than criticism of the prevailing political authorities. This paper looks at the way the text has been handled by those involved in the debate, as well as making some suggestions as to how the passage should be understood in its context.