The Superior Authorities

The apstle Paul wrote: "Let every soul be in subjection to the superior authorities, for there is no authority except by God." Who are the superior authorities? Paul's words in succeeding verses show that they are human governmental authorities. (Romans 13:1-7; Titus 3:1) God did not originate man's governmental authorities, but they exist by his permission. So Paul wrote: "The existing authorities stand placed in their relative positions by God."

What does this indicate about such earthly authority? That it is subordinate or inferior to God's authority. (John 19:10,11) Therefore, when there is a conflict between man's law and God's law, Christians must be guided by their Bible-trained conscience. They "must obey God as a ruler rather than man." - Acts 5:29