When people today read Romans 13:1–7, many assume Paul must have lived under a fair government. Otherwise, why would he sound so relaxed when he says, “Be subject to the governing authorities”?
But the truth is wild:
The Roman government in Paul’s day was morally rotten, politically corrupt, sexually deviant, and ethically brutal — far worse than anything most modern Western nations have ever seen.
And yet Paul writes about government with a tone that feels almost…
calm. Unbothered. Not panicked at all.
He simply says:
“Submit. Be respectful. Pay taxes. Don’t be chaotic.”
Let’s take a closer look at how corrupt Rome actually was — and why Paul could still write Romans 13 with such peace.
1. Nero: A Moral Catastrophe Wearing a Crown
When Paul wrote Romans (AD 56–58), Emperor Nero was in charge.
He wasn’t just “bad.”
He was horrifying.
Nero’s greatest hits include:
- Killing his own mother (Agrippina)
- Poisoning his stepbrother
- Castrating a boy named Sporus and “marrying” him
- Taking men as lovers
- Forcing married women into sexual slavery
- Soon burning Christians alive as garden torches
- Blaming Christians for the great fire of Rome
Yet Paul still says in Romans 13:
“Be subject to the governing authorities.”
Paul clearly isn’t basing his teaching on the moral quality of the ruler.
2. The Senate and Local Leaders Were Not Any Better
Roman officials were known for:
- political bribery
- assassinations
- scandal-filled sex lives
- theft and extortion
- oppression of the poor
- corruption in the courts
Justice was for sale.
Power was abused.
Wealth ruled over right.
And still… Paul isn’t outraged.
He doesn’t tell Christians to revolt.
3. The Morality of Rome Was Pretty Much a Free-For-All
Rome wasn’t “sliding into immorality.”
It lived there.
Normalized Roman behaviors included:
- prostitution (even among minors)
- orgies among the elites
- public sexual acts
- pornographic art everywhere
- ritual sex in pagan temples
- married nobles keeping “public mistresses”
This was normal life.
Rome’s moral compass wasn’t broken — it didn’t have one.
4. Slavery Was Brutal and Systemic
Slavery wasn’t a side issue.
It was the foundation of Rome’s economy.
Slaves:
- could be beaten
- could be raped
- had no legal protection
- could be killed with little consequence
- were bought and sold like objects
And yet Paul doesn’t write a manifesto on overthrowing the system.
5. Taxes Were Collected Through Intimidation and Extortion
Roman tax collectors were notorious for:
- overcharging
- pocketing the extra
- using soldiers to enforce payments
- blocking trade routes
- inventing new fees
And instead of telling Christians to resist taxation, Paul says:
“Pay taxes to whom taxes are owed.”
(Rom 13:7)
He doesn’t sanctify rebellion.
He promotes peaceful living.
6. Rome Had Almost No Respect for Human Life
Common Roman practices included:
- abandoning unwanted babies
- killing infants with disabilities
- watching gladiator executions for fun
- torturing criminals as entertainment
This was the backdrop for Paul’s ministry.
7. Rome Was Already Persecuting Christians
Even before Nero’s worst persecution:
- Christians were expelled from Rome (Acts 18:2)
- House churches were monitored
- Jewish communities faced violence
- Christian gatherings were viewed with suspicion
Rome was not friendly toward followers of Jesus.
And still, Paul doesn’t encourage:
- riots
- protests
- revolutions
- political war
He encourages calm obedience and wise citizenship.
So Why Is Paul So Calm in Romans 13?
Because Paul refuses to give the government the power to define his life.
Modern Christians often act like:
- “If the wrong leader gets elected, our future collapses!”
- “This politician will destroy Christianity!”
- “The government is a spiritual threat!”
Paul doesn’t talk like that.
Here’s why:
1. Paul doesn’t believe the government controls his destiny
His life is hidden in Christ, not in Nero.
2. Paul doesn’t believe the government can limit the gospel
The gospel thrives under persecution.
3. Paul doesn’t believe politics is the center of God’s plan
God’s Kingdom is eternal and unshakable.
4. Paul sees civil authority as a structure, not a savior or enemy
Exousia — the concept of authority — is God’s idea.
5. Paul doesn’t over-spiritualize politics
He keeps Christians focused on mission, not chaos.
That’s why his tone is almost nonchalant:
“Relax. Don’t fight everything. Cooperate where you can.
Your identity isn’t tied to Rome’s behavior.”
Paul’s Real Message in Romans 13
If we combine everything we see in history and everything Paul writes, this is the heart of his message:
Yes, the government is corrupt. Yes, it’s messy.
But God designed authority as a concept.
So don’t be anarchists.
Don’t create chaos.
Don’t over-spiritualize politics.
Live peacefully.
Do good.
And remember — your life is in Christ, not in Caesar.”
Paul’s calmness isn’t denial.
It’s confidence.
Confidence in a Kingdom that can’t be shaken by any empire on earth.
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