Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion Commons^™

The Christian's Attitude Towards His Government And On War, Louis J. Rohem

Concordia Theological Monthly

The sedes doctrinae for the doctrine of civil government is Rom.13:1-7. Literally translated: "Let every soul (pasa psyche) be subject to the superior powers." The plural, exousiai, is used, denoting not merely government in the abstract but in concreto, the persons as bearers of the divine office. In Titus 3:1 we have the same plural, "principalities and powers." Officers of the government are also designated as "Caesar," Matt. 22:21, and as "the king as supreme and governors," 1 Pet. 2:14.