Deeper Reflection
The main message of Romans verses 1 to 7 is clear: submit to human authorities because God is the ultimate authority to whom all earthly authority must bow. Rulers that exist have been allowed by God (v.1). Submission to human authority is “for the Lord’s sake” (1 Pet 2:13). The teaching of this passage is balanced with other Scriptural texts. Moses, Samuel and Daniel opposed earthly authorities in order to remain faithful to God.Jesus’ debate with the Pharisees presents an important principle. The Denarius of Tiberius (pictured)7 showed the image of the head of the Roman emperor Tiberius. Therefore, Jesus argued, since the emperor’s image was on the coin, the coin belongs to the emperor and his subjects ought to pay the tax.However, Jesus added a higher principle, playing on the word “image”. Every well-schooled Pharisee knew that all humanity is created in the image of God (the same word eikon is used in Gen 1:26). Therefore, even though Caesar’s subjects owe him tax because Caesar’s image is on the coin used to pay the tax, all of humanity (including Caesar) owe themselves to God because we bear the image of God.And so, we submit to the leaders God has placed over us in Singapore, and the bosses and supervisors in our workplaces. We should do good (v.3) and give respect and honour where these are due (v.7). When we are faced with ethical dilemmas that require us to push back against the leadership, may we pray for the grace to do so with wisdom and tact, so that God is glorified.

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⁷ Emperor Tiberius Denarius, on Wikimedia Commons. Reproduced under GNU Free Documentation License.