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I think it’s pretty clear that we are talking about authorities that are God fearing and intend to do God’s will.

“for they are keeping watch over your souls,”

Certainly not the leaders in the US government including 0bama.

“those that exist have been instituted by God.”

Ahem, God does not institute evil leaders unless it is via judgment of a nation (Babylon vs Israel). Evil leaders arise from the free choice of wicked citizenry to support evil leaders and the deceptions and wiles of the evil leader.

“to be obedient, to be ready for every good work,”

And what good work did Hitler, 0bama or Stalin authorize?

I think it is so very obvious that following leaders that are infected with and intent on evil is clearly very wrong. God never intended Germans to follow Hitler’s orders to kill Jews. Even secular lawyers at the Nuremburg trials realized that.

I think it’s pretty clear that we are talking about authorities that are God fearing and intend to do God’s will.

So, I guess St. Paul's message was: "Obey the government - except when you feel that you shouldn't."

And what good work did Hitler, 0bama or Stalin authorize?

Well, Hitler built the Autobahn - and he attacked the Soviet Union.

Regards,

I think it’s pretty clear that we are talking about authorities that are God fearing and intend to do God’s will.

Uhh, not exactly. This was written to Christians who were under the rule of either Calugula or Nero, not sure which.

Neither of them shining lights of righteousness or God-fearing rulers.