The Christian and government. The legitimate authority of government and the Christian s rightful response to that authority. This would be in contrast to the groups of zealous Jews of that day who recognized no king but God and paid taxes to no one but God. God appoints a nation s leaders, but not always to bless the people. Sometimes it is to judge the people or to ripen the nation for judgment.
Government can be an effective tool in resisting the effects of man s fallenness.
Paul s idea is that Christians should be the best citizens of all, though they are loyal to God before they are loyal to the state, they provide the state with no problems. The sword is a reference to capital punishment. There isn t any doubt to Paul that the state has the legitimate authority to execute criminals. The Christian s responsibility towards government. You also pay taxes . . .