A Letter To The Romans

I’m about to get into some boiling hot water and turn off my Alexa. Today the Attorney General Of The United States quoted the apostle Paul, in trying to justify the governments immigration policy of separating children from their parents. He was mad because of the furious backlash he was getting from numerous religious entities.  Here in the United States, bishops condemned the administration policy that separates families at the border and said they plan to send a delegation to see the the conditions in which these children are being held away from their mothers and fathers. In his frustration the AG sited a verse from Paul, who biblical scholars accredit with writing Romans. The following is from Romans 13:1-5

Romans 13 New International Version (NIV)

Submission to Governing Authorities

13 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. ² Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. ³ For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. ⁴ For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. ⁵ Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.

First thing is that I’m not a biblical scholar, but I believe in God. Secondly, If I’m writing a letter to the Romans, I’m trying to tell “them” something. If I’m writing a letter for the Romans, than I’m trying to tell somebody else something about the Romans. Most biblical scholars agree, the Apostle Paul was writing a letter “to the Romans.” I believe the authority Paul is speaking of is the authority God had given his Apostles. Read it now in this new context. “But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason.” Doesn’t that sound like the God most of us know. The Roman’s were one of the most savage civilizations that that ever walked the Earth. As for Paul, he learned first hand how savage the Romans were. After locking him up, he was eventually beheaded. Maybe our Attorney General wants to find a way to live with his choices and he seeks solace in the Book Of Life. I don’t  know what to tell you, but if you think God condones the governing authorities, there is no authority except that which God has established. Let them kid’s go back to their families and sleep in the knowledge that you  are doing the Lord’s work.