Studien zu Röm 13,1-7

Due to its reception history, the exhortation to be subject to governing authorities in Rom 13:1-7 is one of the most contested passages in the Pauline epistles. Stefan Krauter presents the first exegetical monograph to interpret the text as a part of Neronian political discourse. Paul takes up central motifs of Graeco-Roman political ideology of his time, as well as traditions of Jewish political thought. Rom 13:1-7 not only advises Roman Christians to avoid political turmoil but also legitimizes governing authorities as installed by God in order to promote the moral good. It is further argued that it is in no way possible to deduce from this text a Christian political ethics for today.