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[[File:paulromans13sw.jpg|right|350px|thumb|The word ''ἐξουσία'' which is often translated ''power'' or ''authority'' and erroneously sometimes ''government''. But the Greek term ''[[exousia]]''<Ref name=exousia>{{1849}}</Ref> was actually the strongest word in the Greek  language for ''liberty'' and meant the ''"right to choose"'', the ''"liberty of choice"'', according to men who lived in those ancient times.]]


== [[Romans 13]] ==

The first verse of Romans 13 is one of the most misunderstood verses of the Bible and should not be.

A proper understanding of [[Romans 13]] hinges on our knowledge of history which gives us the context of the [[Bible]]'s authors and the meaning of the word ''[[exousia]]'' translated ''power, authority, right, liberty, jurisdiction,'' and  ''strength'' in the same  [[Bible]]. 

Its primary meaning is "power of choice, ''liberty'' of doing as one pleases" and is most often used to describe the ''power of [[Christ]]''.
<Ref name=exousia>{{1849}}</Ref>

What was Paul attempting to say in his Epistle to the Romans? 

In the King James version of the Bible chapter 13 begins:
{{#ev:youtube|1SEMYx6affo|300|right|The Greek word ''ἐξουσία'' means the ''"right to choose"''  which is the ''"liberty of choice"'' which was originally bestowed upon the individual by "[[Natural law|nature]] and nature's God". You lose the ''liberty to choose'' by taking [[oaths]] which [[modern Christians]] do and [[Jesus]] and [[James]] said not to do. They lose access to rights of choice when they apply for [[benefits]], by praying for the "[[wages of unrighteousness]]" from men who [[exercise authority]]. [[Polybius]], [[Plutarch]], [[John the Baptist]] and [[Jesus]] warned us about such foolishness and said not to do these things which unfortunately the [[modern Christians]] do habitually. Because of the [[covetous practices]] of [[socialist]] governments and their citizens which the old and new testaments tells you not to do,  which again the [[modern Christians]] do regularly. Part 7: [[Romans 13]] ~5 min}}

<blockquote>'' “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.”''</blockquote> 

A common interpretation of this verse appears in The Living Bible: 

<blockquote>'' “Obey the government, for God is the one who has put it there. There is no government anywhere that God has not placed in power. So those who refuse to obey the laws of the land are refusing to obey God, and punishment will follow...” ([[Romans 13]]:1-3).''</blockquote> 

You cannot blame all governments on God anymore than you can blame sin on God. The first thing God did was give man the right to choose, and the responsibility of suffering the consequences.

While it is not right to sin we have the right to choose to sin. Cain chose to go out of the presence of God and create the first city state. What he did was wrong, but he had the right to make that choice. The nature of the government we create is a product of what we are and our souls are formed in the character of the government we choose to serve.

Governments are created by men, not by God. God allows men the power, right, or liberty to create government, but not with impunity. There are many forms of government that are in opposition to God. Man must go out of the presence of God, rejecting Him to create those governments. 

They are formed in the image and the character of Satan, who is the adversary of God.<Ref>[[Matthew 4]]:8 “Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee...”</Ref>

Even those governments may serve God’s purpose by punishing the wicked who form them. God even forbids man from making covenants with those governments or bowing down or serving them.<Ref>[[Exodus 34]]:12 “Take heed to thyself, lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land whither thou goest, lest it be for a snare in the midst of thee:” also [[Exodus 23]]:32 and [[Exodus 34]]:15 “Lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, and they go a whoring after their gods, and do sacrifice unto their gods, and one call thee, and thou eat of his sacrifice;”</Ref>

== Social Contracts ==

[[Social contract]]s make use of at least two legal concepts or structures. One can be called a trust and the other is a corporation.

[[Governments]] cannot exist unless men create them. Man may vest something of himself into the forming of a government. As God formed man and breathed life into him, so also may men form and breathe life into a government body or body politic. 

Plus we may also give something of value to men we trust for a particular purpose, whereby the government becomes a trust. If what we give is given entirely it may be called a sacred purpose trust. Governments may make use of both concepts of trust and corporation.

The most common form of government used throughout history is not the centralized governments of control and top down authority so commonly seen today. A diversified and voluntary network of people bound by a common faith, mutual hope, and practiced charity has often formed successful governments throughout history. In fact, “our modern reliance on government to make law and establish order is not the historical norm.”<Ref>The Enterprise of Law: Justice without the State by Dr. Bruce L. Benson.</Ref>

Voluntary governments like that of Israel before the rise of the kings depended on the people freely choosing to give a share of their wealth in sacrifice or what was called [[Corban]]<Ref>ןברק Corban; offering 68, oblation 12, offered 1, sacrifice 1. offering, oblation</Ref> to fulfill the needs of society. That which was given in the form of substance and service sustained the government of the people, with the offerings by the people, for the sake of a free people. 

If Jesus talks about an “unrighteous [[Mammon]]”<Ref>[[Luke 16]]:9 “... Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations. He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?”</Ref> is there a righteous [[mammon]]? 

The Aramaic word for entrusted wealth is called Ma’amon.<Ref>“[[Mammon]], an Aramaic word mamon meaning ‘wealth’ … derived from Ma’amon, something entrusted to safe keeping.” Encyclopedia Britannica.</Ref>

That which was freely given was righteous. That which was taken away by force without daily free choice is unrighteous.

== Higher Power ==

[[File:iniquitypsalms94.jpg|right|300px|thumb|The ''modern Christian'' is mostly [[slothful]] in the ways of [[righteousness]] and are also '''[[workers of iniquity]]'''. The governments of the [[world]] are there to make them merchandise and curse children with debt and punish them as we see described in [[1 Samuel 8]] because they are [[False religion|fake Christians]] so that makes verses 3 through 7 more than tenable for those who want to see the whole truth and provide for it.  The fact that Greek word ''[[exousia]]''<Ref name=exousia>{{1849}}</Ref> which Paul used in [[Romans 13]] actually means ''liberty''is only untenable to people who lack knowledge and are under a [[strong delusion]] and refuse to see that they have been deceived and believe a lie. Time to [[repent]] and make straight the way of the LORD.]]

The New International Version (NIV) is translated:
<blockquote>'' “13 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.” ([[Romans 13]]:1-3).''</blockquote> 

The phrase "higher<Ref name="huperecho">{{5242}}</Ref> power" or the phrase the "governing authorities" in the NIV is  ''huperecho<Ref name="huperecho">{{5242}}</Ref> exousia'' with the Greek word ''huperecho''  defined as "to have or hold over one" or superior. In the beginning God gave man the right to choose. He has delivered man from [[bondage]] time and time again and warned him about going under authority of others. 

God wants you to be free souls under Him. That is the [[Kingdom of God]]. If someone else has the power to choose for you, how did that come to be? 

And is there a way back to liberty under God?

It is essential to the plan and purpose of Satan, the adversary, to deceive people. He does this by telling us part of the truth while deluding us to believe a lie. The cunning use of [[sophistry]] and his ability to tempt us to act selfishly in our own interest has been his recorded ''modus operandi'' for centuries.

Our modern misunderstanding of Romans 13 seems to hinge on one word of the text, powers. ''Dunamis, dunamai, didomi, arche, ischus, ischuros, kratos ''and'' energes'' are all translated in the New Testament as ‘power’, but have decidedly different meanings than the word that appears in Romans 13. 

The original Greek word is ''[[exousia]]''.<Ref name=exousia>{{1849}}</Ref> It is from two Greek words. Ex meaning ‘of’ or ‘from’, while ousia means ‘what one has, i.e. property, possessions, estate’. ''[[Exousia]]'' is defined: “power of choice, liberty of doing as one pleases.”<Ref> [[Hebrew]] & Greek Lexicons, J.B. Smith, Herald Press, Scottdale, PA. </Ref>

Is Paul telling us to go under government authority or to remain at liberty? 

What would happen if we translated ''[[exousia]]'' in Romans 13 into the English word “liberty” as we see in [[1 Corinthians 8]]:9?

<blockquote>'' '''“Let every soul be subject unto the higher liberty. For there is no liberty but of God: the liberties that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth (opposes) the liberty, resisteth (opposes) the ordinance of God: and they that resist [sets one’s self against] shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the liberty? 

Do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same.”''' (Romans 13:1-3)''</blockquote> 

Can this be true? 

Could so many people have been a part of such a bold deception? 

The word ''[[exousia]]'' is translated “right” in [[Hebrews 13]]:10 and [[Revelation 22]]:14, and it is translated as “liberty” in 1 Corinthians 8:9.<Ref>“But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.” [[1 Corinthians 8]]:9</Ref>

== Terms of the Times ==

[[Image:Romans13-3w.jpg|right|thumb|350px|To understand [[Romans 13]] first you have to understand that [[Jesus]] who had been hailed king of Judea<Ref>Matthew 21:9  And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.
: Luke 1:32  He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:</Ref> took the government from the [[Pharisees]] like he said he would do<Ref>Matthew 21:43 Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.</Ref> and then appointed  it to the [[apostles]]<Ref>Luke 22:29 And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me;</Ref> as he said he would do<Ref>[[Luke 12]]:32 “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the [[Kingdom]].”</Ref>. Those trained ministers of that [[Kingdom of God]] then worked daily in the temple<Ref>Acts 2:46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,</Ref> which was a [[Temples|government building]] providing government services including a [[daily ministration]] of [[welfare]] and [[Social Security|social security]] without exercising authority one over the other like the governments of the [[world]].<Br>
Anyone claiming to have [[repent]]ed should be diligently striving and seeking the same type of charitable system in a Christian [[network]] totally independent of government [[benefits]] that are provided [[Benefactors|by men]] ''who exercise authority one over the other'' at the expense of their neighbors. If they are not [[doeth|doing that]] then they have not [[repent]]ed nor do they believe in [[Christ]].]]
To claim that Paul is actually saying that we should be at liberty to obey God rather than be subject to the will of other men is a bold accusation against the doctrines of modern Christendom. Has the Church been steadily deceived, by either negligence or design, arrogance or ignorance? 

A theme throughout the Bible has been to set men free so we should be willing to examine how the word ''[[exousia]]'' was used by the Greeks and the authors of those sacred texts in the days of Christ. Although the use of words changes over time the Greek Glossary of Aristotelian Terms states that exousia means “right”.<Ref>http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/aristotle-politics/</Ref> Aristotle actually exemplifies exousia’s use in the statement, “The right (exousia) to do anything one wishes...”<Ref>Lawmakers and Ordinary People in Aristotle, by Paul Bullen (1996) http://paul.bullen.com/BullenLawmakers.html (VI. 4.1318b38-1319a4)</Ref>

The rights or privileges of governments are ordained of men. That ordination of power into the hands of governments almost always occurs when the people reject God<Ref> [[1 Samuel 8]]:7 “And the LORD said ... they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them.” [[1 Samuel 10]]:19 “And ye have this day rejected your God, who himself saved you out ... but set a king over us ...”[[1 Samuel 15]]:23. To Saul “... thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from [being] king.” [[Luke 7]]:30 “But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him.” [[Luke 20]]:17 “... The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner?”</Ref> and choose to go away from His ways<Ref>[[Joshua 24]]:15 “... choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods ... the LORD.” Judges 5:8 “They chose new gods;...” [[Judges 10]]:14 “Go and cry unto the gods which ye have chosen; let them deliver you in the time of your tribulation.” Jeremiah 11:12 “Then shall the cities of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem go, and cry unto the gods .. they shall not save them at all in the time of their trouble.” 1 Samuel 8:18 “And ye shall cry out in that day because of your king which ye shall have chosen you; and the LORD will not hear you in that day.”</Ref> and out of His presence.<Ref>Genesis 3:8 “... Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD...” Ge 4:16 “Cain went out from the presence of the LORD...” </Ref>

Since we are endowed by our Creator with certain inalienable rights it makes sense to say our original right to choose is ordained of God. Since man is a creation of God and governments are a creation of men the power maintained by those governments is based on the consent or actions of men, not upon any appointment by God. 

In Plato’s notes the “Greek words for freedom (are) eleutheros (liberal/Free), exousia (Freedom/Power to do something), ...”<Ref>http://www.uiowa.edu/~lsa/bkh/lla/plato</Ref>

While, both Plato's and Aristotle’s definition of the word [[exousia]] was not only specifically a 'freedom and a right', even the 'absolute right to choose' and was from a classical Greek period hundreds of years before Christ, their opinions were still in conformity well into the second century A.D. with Cynic philosopher, Enomaos. 

Aldo Brancacci examines the definition of ‘freedom’ in his Liberta e fato in Enamao di Gadara. In Bryn Mawr’s Classical Review we see, “Brancacci notices that the term used by Enomaos to refer to human freedom is not the typical Cynic one (eleutheria), but [[exousia]], which expresses ‘the new concept of freedom in opposition to the already defunct and unhelpful eleutheria’.”<Ref>Bryn Mawr Classical Review 2001.08.19 On this issue, see S. Bobzien, Determinism and Freedom in Stoic Philosophy, Oxford 1998, chap. 6 . http://ccat.sas.upenn.edu/bmcr/2001/2001-08-19.html</Ref>

Enomaos’, sometimes written Oenomaos’, writings were preserved by Eusubius. For at least five centuries the word [[exousia]] consistently referenced human liberty and freedom. Are we supposed to believe that Paul is telling us to give up our freedom and liberty and become subject once again? 

Or have we already?

God sent [[Abraham]], [[Moses]], Joshua, Samson, Gideon and a host of others to set us free with the truth. We are to become free souls under God, created by God and to have no other gods before Him. 

Are we supposed to believe that [[Jesus]] was only going to set us free spiritually and leave us in physical [[bondage]] that equivalent to the [[Bondage of Egypt]]?

It seems a slave mentality to believe that we can only be “free at last, free at last”<Ref>From a Negro spiritual “Free at Last” originally sung by slaves at funerals.</Ref> when we are physically dead.

<blockquote>'' “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” (John 8:36)''</blockquote>  

It is our prayer that the truth of this will become self evident.

== Koine Debate ==


There is little meaningful debate among modern theologians on the matter of Romans 13. Typical comments might be those of Professor Ardel Caneday  of New Testament Studies & Biblical Theology at Northwestern College, in Saint Paul, Minnesota. 

Ardel attempted to discredit Tim Case<Ref>A Discredited Case: A Matter of Word Fallacy, Friday, June 12, 2009  http://bibliatheologica.blogspot.com/2009/06/discredited-case-matter-of-word-fallacy.html </Ref> who quoted extensively from one of our early articles on Romans 13 in his own article: A Peccancy, which was published by Lew Rockwell.<Ref>A Peccancy by Tim Case lewrockwell.com/case/case35.1.html </Ref>

Ardel states that Case commits “fallacy” by giving the etymology of the word. At the same time Ardel seems to disregard Aristotle and Plato with a vague reference to Koine Greek. He even ignores Brancacci’s detailed explanation of the use of [[exousia]] in the 2nd century, by the cynic Oenomaus.

Koine Greek developed as the world of the Greeks and Romans went from free Republics to a dictatorial empire. Those governments of men made instruments of war, took the first fruits of the people, and even their sons and daughters for their own purposes. Those governments brought about famine, wars, and pestilence that killed off millions of people. A fact of history that will continue to repeat itself under the error of the modern Pharisaical scholars of our day.

It is true that languages change over time, but God does not. He wants us to be free souls under His authority, not slaves or human resources working under the Pharaohs and Nimrods of the world.

Most scholars are entrenched in the presumption that they already have the answer and could not be in error or under a strong delusion. Their interpretation of the Gospel may not be gospel just because they went to school somewhere or learned what other professors had to say. Saul who became Paul went to the best school with the most respected scholar as his teacher<Ref>Acts 22:3 “ I am verily a man [which am] a Jew, born in Tarsus, [a city] in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, [and] taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day.”</Ref> but he did not know Christ.

== Usage of Scholars ==

<blockquote>'' “And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed [it] unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.” ([[Matthew 16]]:17)''</blockquote>  

There were many scholars among those who crucified Christ. Satan has always deluded the scholars first. It makes his job so much easier. The educated Saul did not know Christ nor the Gospel of the Kingdom and even persecuted Christ’s followers. Paul, through revelation, eventually counted all he had known before Christ as little more than dung.<Ref>Philippians 3:8 “Yea doubtless, and I count all things [but] loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them [but] dung...”</Ref>

Concerning Ardel’s comments on the meaning of Romans 13 he also suggests that Case “appeals to one of the word’s lesser used meanings in the New Testament to render that unlikely meaning the meaning of the word in Romans 13.” 

We must ask, lesser used meanings by whom? 

Joseph Thayer’s first definition of the Greek word [[exousia]]<Ref>The New Testament Greek Lexicon based on Thayer’s and Smith’s Bible Dictionary plus others; this is keyed to the large Kittel and the "Theological Dictionary of the New Testament." Define the word [[exousia]]: 
# power of choice, liberty of doing as one pleases 
# physical and mental power 
# the power of authority (influence) and of right (privilege) 
# the power of rule or government (the power of him whose will and
# commands must be submitted to by others and obeyed) </Ref> is the “power of choice, liberty of doing as one pleases”. It is not until the fourth definition that we see anything like “the power of rule or government”. The truth is most modern scholars choose not to use the primary meaning of the word [[exousia]] because it would be an indictment of the condition of the modern Church and the state to which it has brought the people it was meant to serve. 

Ardel Caneday goes on to suggest that Case “fails to show that the New Testament regularly employs ἐξουσία to refer to ruling authorities, as it clearly does in Romans 13.”

The Greek word ''[[exousia]]'' [ἐξουσία] appears over 90 times in the biblical text. At least 12 times it is speaking of an individual’s, personal right or liberty. Over 50 times [[exousia]] is found in verses speaking of the “power” of God and Jesus the Christ, the anointed King<Ref>See [[THL|The Higher Liberty]] Appendix 1 [[Exousia]]</Ref>, who appointed ambassadors and was proclaimed king by thousands of people including Pontius Pilate.

<blockquote>'' “And Pilate wrote a title, and put [it] on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS... in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin. Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews; but that he said, I am King of the Jews. Pilate answered, What I have written I have written.” (John 19:19)''</blockquote>  

More than a dozen times the word [[exousia]] is specifying a jurisdictional right to judge or a conflict of law between man’s government or the adversary of God, and the Kingdom of God.<Ref>Matthew 21:43 “Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.” Luke 12:32 “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom.” Luke 22:29 “And I appoint unto you a Kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me;”</Ref> 

If people are insistent upon using the fourth definition of [[exousia]] “the power of rule or government”, they should be willing to apply it to Christ’s government and its jurisdictional right as one form of government. Jesus was the King of Judea according to Pilate and therefore His ministers were a government that set the people free.

Jesus as Christ was the anointed King of Judea, the remnant of Israel. Those who proclaimed Christ were able to live, [[worship]] and serve God, unless the people, like the Pharisees, rejected Christ and chose to go under the authority or power of another. Christ sealed that Roman proclamation, nailed to the cross, in His own blood.

<blockquote>'' “Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances,” ([[Colossians 2]]:20)''</blockquote>  

In [[Matthew 8]]:9 and [[Luke 7]]:8 'exousia' is used concerning an officer’s right to direct his men. That power comes from the contract his soldiers signed when they became members under his authority. The modern Church has removed the Kingdom from the “Gospel of the Kingdom” and brought the people back into bondage.

== No King but Caesar ==

[[File:Pentecost.jpg|right|350px|thumb|[[Jesus]] as the highest son of David and rightfully born king of the [[Kingdom of God]] was the "[[secular government]]" of Judea and the [[apostles]] were the [[appoint]]ed  to be that "[[secular government]]" of that kingdom providing government service in a voluntary system with [[tithe]]s instead of [[Taxation|taxes]].<Br>
They were able to do this because thousands upon thousands of Jews accepted the [[Christ]] as their king at [[Pentecost]] and professed their allegiance through [[baptism]] and contributed to His voluntary [[government]] of [[righteousness]] instituted by Jesus.<Br>
If all the people who say they are [[Christians]] and believe in Christ were doing, for the last 100 years, what the [[early Church|first century Church]] was doing, then they would be exempt from [[Social Security]], Obama care and most [[Employ|income tax]]. Auditing the [[Money|Federal Reserve]] would be simple, if such a banking system were allowed to exist. There would not be a massive [[welfare]] system in the [[Rome|United States]]. There would be no need. Immigration would no longer be a problem, and the nation would not have run-away debt. <Br>[[His Church]] is looking for those who want to [[repent|turn around]] from false Christianity and do what [[Jesus]] said, instead of the apostasy of [[Modern Christians]].]]

If we are to understand the fullness of the Gospel, we should know that it is first the “Gospel of the Kingdom”.

<blockquote>'' “And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the Kingdom....” (Matthew 4:23)''</blockquote> 

Modern preachers, and the scholars who have seduced them, have removed the Kingdom from the Gospels and turned the hearts of the people to impure religion. It is time that voices from the wilderness again call for repentance and a making straight the way of the Lord.

The Pharisees were scholars, and the majority of the Pharisees voted to kill Christ,<Ref>Mark 15:13 “And they cried out again, Crucify him.” [Luke 23:21]</Ref> their rightful King.<Ref>John 19:6 “... Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him.”</Ref> They chose to have no king but Caesar.<Ref>John 19:15 “... Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar.”</Ref>

But thank Heaven, the truth is not dependent upon democracies or scholars.

The [[Modern Christians|Modern Christian]] has accepted a world based on a watered down gospel from their misguided leaders. This arranged system is a "[[world]]"<Ref>In the New Testament kosmos [kosmov] is most often translated world and defined as “an apt and harmonious arrangement or constitution, order, government” See “A Kingdom not of this world” p.22, The Higher Liberty.</Ref> system, a mystery Babylon, where their ministers teach the people to sing in their churches, praising Christ as King (a spiritual king), yet they send the people to pray to men of the world for their daily bread and benefits during the rest of the week; they are praying to men who call themselves benefactors but exercise authority one over the other<Ref>Matthew 20:25 “But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you...” Mark 10:42 “But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. But so shall it not be among you ...” [[Luke 22]]:25 “And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors. But ye shall not be so:...”</Ref>. This is all provided at the expense of their neighbor. 

The people do take a [[Biting one another|bite out]] of their neighbor, devouring one another.<Ref>“...this [city is] the caldron, and we [be] the flesh... prophesy against them, prophesy, O son of man...This [city] shall not be your caldron, neither shall ye be the flesh in the midst thereof ...” Eze 11:3-11 </Ref> They wave their hands on Sunday, and they give lip service to God in their Churches, but the rest of the week they covet their neighbor’s goods through government power.

From the beginning we were told to make no covenant with the inhabitants where we go, nor with their gods, or we would have to bow down and serve them. Even Jesus told us to not swear at all and to only pray to our Father in heaven for our daily bread.

Applying to Pharaoh for their daily bread brought the Israelites into bondage. God led the people out of that bondage and told them never to return that way. God even told the people if they chose a ruler, they were to write in their constitution<Ref>Deuteronomy 17:18 “And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book out of [that which is] before the priests the Levites:”</Ref> that he could never do anything that would return them to the bondage of Egypt.<Ref>Deuteronomy 17:16 “... nor cause the people to return to Egypt,... Ye shall henceforth return no more that way.... he shall write him a copy of this law in a book ... and he shall read therein all the days of his life:”</Ref>

Common sense would require us to ask why Paul would be telling the people to remain in an Egyptian style government rather than be free with Christ. Remember Christ was King, born King <Ref>[[Matthew 2]]:2 “Where is he that is born King of the Jews?...” John 18:37 “... Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born...”</Ref>, preached a Kingdom, told us to do the same<Ref>Matthew 10:7 “And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Luke 9:60 “Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.”</Ref>, and was hailed as King<Ref>Matthew 21:9 “... the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David... Hosanna in the highest.” Mark 11:10 “Blessed [be] the Kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest.” John 12:13 “Took branches of palm trees... and cried, Hosanna: Blessed [is] the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord.”</Ref> as He came to take the Kingdom<Ref>Matthew 21:43 “Therefore say I unto you, The Kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.”</Ref> away from those who ruled over the people.<Ref>Matthew 23:4 “For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.” Luke 11:46 “And he said, Woe unto you also, ye lawyers! for ye lade men with burdens grievous to be borne, and ye yourselves touch not the burdens with one of your fingers.”</Ref> Those rulers had taken away their liberties, put heavy burdens on them, and through their system of social security<Ref>[[Corban]] of the Pharisees hisholychurch.org/sermon/corban.php</Ref> had made the word of God to none effect.<Ref>Mark 7:13 “Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.”</Ref>

Since, freeing people in Spirit and truth and living by faith has always been the mission of the prophets of God, it seems clear that Paul was saying that we should remain subject to liberty and the right to choose endowed by God. Paul understood the perfect law of liberty<Ref>James 1:25 “But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth [therein], he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.”</Ref>; to oppose liberty is to oppose the will of God for men.

Yet, many ministers and the people have difficulty seeing the simple and specific meaning of the word exousia in the context of the Bible. This is because it overthrows many of the preconceived notions, doctrines, and even some errant theology which they have become so comfortable with over the years. 

If we may use the word ‘right’ or ‘liberty’ in Romans 13, Christians and especially their ministers will have to begin to examine the Gospel in a new light of understanding, and they will need to accept the truth that they have been under a strong delusion about the “Gospel of the Kingdom” and the message of Christ.

We may agree that governments sometimes possess the right to make choices for persons; in a more natural state, such choices would belong exclusively to the individual free man. But, governments are not inherently granted the right to choose for others; God does not ordain government for nullifying the natural state of diligent men (free men). Men may create governments, but in order to obtain that right to rule over men, governments would have to rely on some operation of pre-existing law. That fundamental law is often called natural law. They may, therefore, use natural law's operation of a contract or a covenant to arrange a government system which gradually nullifies many other aspects of the natural law, as the system responds to crises and grants more and more government authority over the citizens.


[[Romans 13]] verse 1 [[The Higher Liberty]]<Br>
Does God want us to be subject or to be free?<Br>
http://www.hisholychurch.org/sermon/romans13.php

[[Romans 13]] and I Peter 2,13-14<Br>
Is the [[Bible]] consistent about setting men free or does it contradict itself?<Br>
http://www.hisholychurch.org/sermon/romanspeter.php 

[[Romans 13]] The booklet in printable PDF<Br>
http://www.hisholychurch.org/study/bklt/romans1307.pdf

Romans 13, NN Video Series:7-10 4:32 <Br>
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1SEMYx6affo

== The Book ==


'''[[The Higher Liberty]]'''<Br>
Table of Contents<Br>
http://www.hisholychurch.org/media/books/THL/tableofcontents.php

[[Romans 13]]<Br>
From the book [[THL|The Higher Liberty]], Sec. 1<Br>
http://www.hisholychurch.org/media/books/THL/Romans13.php 

'''Entire study''' of the [[Romans|Epistle to the Romans]]

Great Commandment (Romans 13:8–10) and Christianity and politics.

Civil Rights, SS Video Series 2-10 5:00 <Br>
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Isf7LjQTcOQ

'''Sections'''

14. [[Romans 13]] to [[Romans 14]] verse 12 <Br> http://www.hisholychurch.net/kkvv/7thbatch/13-04-07Romans-x4.mp3

18. [[Romans]], <Br>
Chapter reviews Paul Love, working, no evil and the Ten Commandments <Br> 
http://www.hisholychurch.net/kkvv/7thbatch/13-04-13Romans-x8.mp3

19. Romans,<Br> 
Which laws, division of faith and fallacies... gods many and prayer<Br> 
http://www.hisholychurch.net/kkvv/7thbatch/13-04-14Romans-x9.mp3

20. Romans, natural brute beasts, protecting the delusion... The welfare state and liberty in righteousness<Br> 
http://www.hisholychurch.net/kkvv/7thbatch/13-04-14Romans-xx.mp3

21. Was Paul a Roman Citizen Part 1 <Br>
http://www.hisholychurch.net/kkvv/8thbatch/13-05-16-Paulroman-1.mp3

22. Was Paul a Roman Citizen Part <Br>
http://www.hisholychurch.net/kkvv/8thbatch/13-05-16-Paulroman-2.mp3


== Audio files ==

'''Additional audio''' on '''[[THL|The Higher Liberty]]'''
http://www.hisholychurch.org/media/books/THL/Romans13.php<Br>
[http://www.hisholychurch.org/media/books/THL/tableofcontents.php Table of Contents ]
     
* [[Romans 13]], Part 1<Br>2/15/2013 12:44 PM     26889511 02-1Romans13-56.mp3 <Br>http://www.hisholychurch.net/kkvv/02-1Romans13-56.mp3 <Br><Br>
* [[Romans 13]], Part 2<Br>2/15/2013 12:46 PM     26869031 02-2Romans13-56.mp3 <Br>http://www.hisholychurch.net/kkvv/02-2Romans13-56.mp3 <Br><Br>

'''[[Audio2011#Baldwin_on_Romans_Thirteen|Timothy Baldwin interview]]'''<Br>
http://keysofthekingdom.info/KOK-110820.mp3

{{condotsaud}}

== Romans 13 line by line ==

{| class="wikitable" style="float:right; margin-left: 10px;" width="60%" 
| '''Comments verse by verse #''' 
|- 
| '''Romans 13 text in context''' [http://www.hisholychurch.net/audio/190427romans13text.mp3  Download Recording] <Br><html><audio controls src="http://www.hisholychurch.net/audio/190427romans13text.mp3"></audio></html>
|-
| 1# The higher<Ref name="huperecho">{{5242}}</Ref> power<Ref name=exousia></Ref> is the original power to choose or liberty to choose granted by God to man. 
|-
| 2# Many resist the responsibility of that liberty by giving their ''power to choose'' to rulers and lawmakers which is a rejection of God.
|-
| 3# The "rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil." What are the evil works but [[covetous practices]] of [[socialism]] and [[communism]] which make men [[merchandise]] and [[curse children]] with debt?
|-
| 4# If you choose to have rulers, kings, presidents or prime ministers with their congresses and parliaments you are to [[Not my constitution|include 5 things in your constitutions]] as instructed by God and His [[Holy Spirit]] in [[Deuteronomy 17]]. 
|-
| 4# The people were warned in [[1 Samuel 8]] that the '''rulers''' they chose would take and take and take until they [[cry out|cried out]] and God would still not hear them. Saul [[fool]]ishly [[force]]d an offering. David was corrupted but repented. Solomon made the people's [[yoke]] heavy and chastised them with whips but they deserved it because they ''rejected'' God. And Rehoboam chastised them with scorpions because they would not come together and attend to the [[weightier matters]].<Ref>[[1 Kings 12]]:14 And spake to them after the counsel of the young men, saying, My father made your yoke heavy, and I will add to your [[yoke]]: my father [also] chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.</Ref> Rulers are punishing evil because the ''"[[voice]] of the people"'', including [[Modern Christians]] have rejected God and elected rulers.
|-
| 5# Rulers gain more power when the people give them the power to take from their neighbor in order to obtain the [[wages of unrighteousness]] and the [[benefits]] of the men who call themselves [[benefactors]] but [[exercise authority]]<Ref name="exauth">{{exauth}}</Ref> one over the other, which is contrary to the commandments of [[Christ]] and the warning of Peter<Ref>[[2 Peter 2]]:15 Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of [[Balaam]] [the son] of Bosor, who loved the [[wages of unrighteousness]];</Ref>. When we become a [[surety]] for debt, we do not keep the [[Sabbath]] which is about debt. When we do not sit down in the [[tens]] as [[commanded]] by Christ and [[love]] one another in charity we are [[sloth]]ful in [[The Way|His ways]] of [[righteousness]]. When those who are [[called out]] do not come together in "one accord" [[Vow of poverty|selling all they have]] having [[all things common]] they are not [[His Church]].
|-
| 6# When we [[oaths|swear]] allegiance or make [[social compacts]] to [[Employ|serve]] rulers in order to obtain [[Social security|security]], or we are just [[slothful]] in the [[weightier matters]], we go under [[tribute]] in the unrighteous [[mammon]]. We must remain faithful in the unrighteous [[mammon]] while we [[repent]] and [[seek]] the [[kingdom of God]] and His [[righteousness]].
|-
| 7# So while you render to [[Caesar]] what is Caesar's in his unrighteous [[mammon]] you can learn to render to God what is God's by [[Keep the Commandments|keeping the commandments]]
|-
| 8-10# The "[[Modern Christian]]" owes [[tribute]] because of [[sloth]] and [[wantonness]] and is [[surety]] for debt and cannot say he "Owes no man". In the [[Modern Church]] they ''say Lord, Lord'' but tickle the ears of the people saying they do not need to [[keep the Commandments]] of Christ. You know they lack faith because they are not [[doers]] of the word but [[workers of iniquity]].
|-
| V9 if you are coveting your neighbor thing through governments that [[exercise authority]]<Ref name="exauth">{{exauth}}</Ref> you do not accept Paul's [[Romans 13]] prohibition on opposing the [[Choose|right to choose]]/[[liberty]] nor do you believe nor [[Moses]], the [[Prophets]] and the [[warnings]] of the New Testament, including Peter about [[covetous practices]]<Ref name="covetnot">{{covetnot}}</Ref> nor are you a [[believer]] in Christ.<Ref name="jesuscovet">{{jesuscovet}}</Ref> 
|-
| When you say you desire your neighbor's goods to be taken to provide the [[dainties]] of governments of the [[world]] which is the [[welfare]] that is a [[snare|"snare and a trap"]]<Ref name="sheephrvc">{{sheephrvc}}</Ref> you are [[covet]]ing his sweat and toil to obtain [[benefits|benefits]]. To say you [[love]] your neighbor while at the same time you are calling for men to [[force]] him to contibute is [[covet]]ing your neighbors' goods through  the princes of the gentiles who [[exercise authority]]<Ref name="exauth">{{exauth}}</Ref>  which contrary to the law of [[love]] and bearing false witness that you are a [[believer]] in Jesus or [[Doctrine of Jesus|His doctrine]].<Ref name="jesuscovet">{{jesuscovet}}</Ref> 
|-
| V10 To say our are a believer while engaged in the [[covetous practices]] of the [[social welfare]] through  the [[welfare state|State]] is not [[The Way]] of [[love]]for your neighbor nor keeping the law.
|-
| V11 It is high time to awake out of sleep that you are under a [[[[Strong Delusion|stronge delusion]]]] and maybe one of those [[workers of iniquity]] just say they believe.<Ref name="lord2">{{lord2}}</Ref>
|-
| V12 The time is up and '''light of [[truth]]''' is coming or the [[Wrath of God|consequences]] of rejectig the truth. We must reject the '''works of [[Darkness|darkness]]''' that has kept in with the [[Doctrines of men]]. Let us put on the armour of light<Ref name="armourf">{{armourf}}</Ref>. 
|-
| V13  Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting<Ref name="komos">{{2970}}</Ref> and drunkenness,<Ref name="methe">{{3178}}</Ref> not in chambering<Ref name="koite">{{2845}}</Ref> and [[wantonness]]<Ref name="aselgeia">{{766}}</Ref>, not in strife<Ref name="eris">{{2054}}</Ref> and envying<Ref name="zelos">{{2205}}</Ref>. 
|-
|  V14  But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision<Ref name="pronoia">{{4307}}</Ref> for the [[Flesh|flesh]], to fulfil the [[Lust|lusts]]<Ref name="epithumia">{{1939}}</Ref> thereof.
|-
| 
|-
| 11-14# If you are in [[bondage]] the only way out is through [[Christ]] which means you need to sit down in the [[tens]], [[love]] your neighbor as yourself, form a [[daily ministration]] through [[charity]] and [[love]] and return to [[The Way]] of Christ as [[Jesus]] [[commanded]].
|-
| The governments of the world are there to punish the wicked who are the [[workers of iniquity]]. The more you are willing to take from your neighbor, [[bite|biting]] your neighbor, the more the government will take from you and the more you will be devoured<Ref>Galatians 5:15 But if ye [[bite]] and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.</Ref> until you [[repent]] and [[seek]] the ''government of God'' and His [[righteousness]] and learn to live by [[faith]], [[hope]], and [[charity]] instead of force, fear, and violence. 
|-
| 13. [[Romans 10]] to [[Romans 13]]<Br> 
<html><audio controls src="http://www.hisholychurch.net/kkvv/7thbatch/13-04-07Romans-x3.mp3"></audio></html>
|-
|
14. [[Romans 13]] to [[Romans 14]] verse 12 <Br> <html><audio controls src="http://www.hisholychurch.net/kkvv/7thbatch/13-04-07Romans-x4.mp3"></audio></html>
|-
|
|}


1  Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2  Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 3  For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: 4  For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister<Ref>{{1249}}</Ref> of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. 5  Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. 6  For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers<Ref>{{3011}}</Ref>, attending continually<Ref name="Persevereq">{{Persevereq}}</Ref> upon this very thing.

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7  Render therefore to all their dues: [[tribute]] to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. 

8  Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. 

9  For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not [[covet]]; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.<Ref name="Benevolenceq">{{Benevolenceq}}</Ref> 

10  Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

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11  And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. 

12  The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light<Ref name="armourf">{{armourf}}</Ref>. 

13  Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and [[wantonness]], not in strife and envying. 

14  But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

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[[Romans 14]]

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{{THL}}

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==Footnotes==
<references />

[[Category:Romans]]