A Biblically Unjust Revolution?
The American Revolutionary War was a pivotal event in world history, and the
constitutional republic that followed has produced the freest, most productive society ever to
exist. No one can deny that most of the Founding Fathers were religious men or that the liberty
they fought for has benefited millions of people, but was their revolt against England biblically
justified? Specifically, was the American Revolution a violation of Romans 13:1-7?
The passage starts with a clear-cut command to submit to “the governing authorities.”
Immediately following the command is the reason for it: namely, authorities are God-ordained.
Therefore, resisting earthly authority is the same as resisting God. Rulers are a deterrent to evil in
society; in fact, a ruler is “God’s servant,” bringing retribution to the wrongdoer. Christians
should submit to human authority not only to avoid punishment but also to maintain a clear
conscience before God. Specifically, Christians should pay their taxes and pay the proper respect
and honor to “God’s servants.”
The commands in Romans 13 are quite broad, aimed at “everyone,” with no exceptions
listed. In fact, when Paul wrote these words, Nero was on the throne. If Romans 13 applies to the
cruel and capricious Nero, it applies to all kings. The early church followed the principles of
Romans 13 even during the wicked and oppressive reigns of emperors such as Claudius and
Caligula. Paul does not say “be subject to the king unless he is oppressive” or “you must obey all
rulers except usurpers.” The plain teaching of Romans 13 is that all governments in all places are
to be honored and obeyed.
Now, what about Romans 13 as it pertains to the American Revolutionary War? Was the
war justified? First, it is important to understand that many of those who supported the
The American Revolutionary War was a pivotal event in world history, and the
constitutional republic that followed has produced the freest, most productive society ever to
exist. No one can deny that most of the Founding Fathers were religious men or that the liberty
they fought for has benefited millions of people, but was their revolt against England biblically
justified? Specifically, was the American Revolution a violation of Romans 13:1-7?
The passage starts with a clear-cut command to submit to “the governing authorities.”
Immediately following the command is the reason for it: namely, authorities are God-ordained.
Therefore, resisting earthly authority is the same as resisting God. Rulers are a deterrent to evil in
society; in fact, a ruler is “God’s servant,” bringing retribution to the wrongdoer. Christians
should submit to human authority not only to avoid punishment but also to maintain a clear
conscience before God. Specifically, Christians should pay their taxes and pay the proper respect
and honor to “God’s servants.”
The commands in Romans 13 are quite broad, aimed at “everyone,” with no exceptions
listed. In fact, when Paul wrote these words, Nero was on the throne. If Romans 13 applies to the
cruel and capricious Nero, it applies to all kings. The early church followed the principles of
Romans 13 even during the wicked and oppressive reigns of emperors such as Claudius and
Caligula. Paul does not say “be subject to the king unless he is oppressive” or “you must obey all
rulers except usurpers.” The plain teaching of Romans 13 is that all governments in all places are
to be honored and obeyed.
Now, what about Romans 13 as it pertains to the American Revolutionary War? Was the
war justified? First, it is important to understand that many of those who supported the
