That may have been the interpretation at the time. We no longer live a world where most people believe that their rulers are ordained by God. Do you really think God wants our souls to be subject to the higher powers of government? Our souls are only subject to the higher powers of God.
Yeesh. And you accused me of having a "loose" interpretation? "Most people" get to decide what applies to us today and what doesn't? How are the world's rulers any different today than they were in the 1st Century? Do you think those Christians Paul was writing to in 1st Century Rome were living under godly rulers? Nero?!
Do you really think God wants our souls to be subject to the higher powers of government?
I believe His word is every bit as much for us today as it was for the early church.
Our souls are only subject to the higher powers of God.
None of the earthly powers would have any power at all unless it were given to them by God. True then. True now. True always.
Wow.