A Christian Anarchist Exegesis of Romans 13

A Christian Anarchist Exegesis of Romans 13

For centuries, Romans 13 has been wielded to justify obedience to governments, sanctify war, and silence Christian dissent. But what if we’ve been reading it wrong? In A Christian Anarchist Exegesis of Romans 13 , the author challenges the traditional, state-affirming interpretations of one of the most controversial passages in the New Testament. Drawing on the teachings of Jesus, the radical witness of the early church, and a careful reading of Paul’s words in context, this book offers a bold and faithful alternative: that Romans 13 is not a divine endorsement of empire, but a subversive call to live out the politics of the cross in a world ruled by the sword. This deeply theological yet accessible book explores: The historical and political context of Paul’s letter to the Romans - How “governing authorities” may refer to more than earthly rulers - Why submission can be a form of resistance in the footsteps of Christ - What early Christian voices like Tertullian and Origen believed about state violence - How love, not law, fulfills the will of God - What it means to follow a King whose kingdom is not of this world For Christians who feel uneasy about the marriage of church and state, and for anyone seeking to follow Jesus without compromise to worldly power, this book offers a fresh and liberating perspective. A Christian Anarchist Exegesis of Romans 13 is a timely call to reclaim the radical heart of the Gospel and to live under no king but Christ.