When Evil Takes the Throne: The Church’s Response
The apostle Paul lived under the authority of Nero, one of the most infamous and evil rulers the world has ever seen. Though only 16 years old when assuming the throne, Nero’s reign grew increasingly characterized by turmoil, deceit, and cruelty before ending in suicide. The early church faced rampant and horrific persecution at his hands. Surely, this is an example of unrighteous leadership under which Christians struggled to know how to respond.
Paul wrote the Book of Romans around AD 57, just three years after Nero had ascended to the throne as Emperor of Rome. In his letter, Paul provides a vital perspective on relating to governing powers, stating “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God” (Romans 13:1). This includes even the Neros of the world—their authority exists only because God allows it. Paul continues:
For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil (Romans 13:3-4).
When Paul describes governmental authorities as “God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil,” he is outlining their divinely appointed job description. Nero was appointed by God as an authority to punish wrongdoing, regardless of how astonishingly he failed at fulfilling that purpose. Leadership bears a heavy responsibility and stringent judgment (James 3:1). Any governor, president, or prime minister who oppresses the innocent or allows wickedness to flourish will answer to the true King for this failure to uphold their administration’s very reason for existing.
Paul’s words serve as a sobering reminder to authorities that while they may wield temporary power over people and policies, God installed them to serve as stewards of justice and order. It is no light calling. When rulers abuse authority rather than living out this job description, they store up consequences beyond what any human impeachment could mete out (Romans 2:6-11). For now, they serve as ministers and avengers subject to the ultimate authority, but a final reckoning awaits all in power. Leadership bears weighty, fearsome accountability before the Judge of all.
What then should be the church’s role and response when evil rulers arise? How do Christians relate to corrupt authorities in a way that honors Christ?
The Call to Upright Citizenship
First, honoring governing authorities includes simple civic duties. Paying taxes, upholding laws, participating constructively in the legal system, and remaining culturally and politically engaged—these are part of a believer’s witness. As Paul writes, “Do what is good, and you will have praise” (v.3) for even through mundane responsibilities, Christians model godly citizenship under imperfect leadership.
Yet there is an essential caveat—as Peter declares before the Sanhedrin: “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). The ultimate allegiance of Christians lies beyond any earthly system. Like Daniel quietly refusing the king’s food in Babylon while excelling as a statesman, followers of Christ understand human authority derives from divine authority. God remains first and foremost.
The Countercultural Witness of the Church
Therefore, when oppression, exploitation, or gross injustice characterize governing authorities, the church rises to the occasion as a distinctly countercultural community. Early Christians rescued abandoned infants despite the Roman legalization of infanticide. They welcomed slaves as equal brothers and sisters, recognizing ultimate equality under God. And they willingly suffered punishment rather than offer a pinch of incense declaring “Caesar is Lord”—Jesus alone held that title.
In so doing, believers provided society with a righteous contrast which by virtue of goodness illuminated and challenged the failures of even the highest thrones of authority. As Jesus Himself declared, “You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). Inevitably by bearing witness to truth, the church will stand out against cultures of corruption.
The Power of Prayer and the Gospel
Followers of Christ also carry authority and influence of a unique kind—the life-altering power of prayer and the gospel message. As Paul wrote to Timothy:
Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence (1 Timothy 2:1-2).
We serve leaders best through heartfelt prayer to the true Authority over all. We recognize culture and political systems find their deepest reform through the conversion and changed hearts brought by the good news of Christ.
When societies grow so corrupt that collapse seems imminent, the church remains standing as salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16). Come what may on a societal level, the mission of making disciples, the priority of prayer, and the rule of love continue defining the church. And by God’s faithfulness, the gates of hell will not overcome her (Matthew 16:18).
Yes, the people of God honor even flawed authorities with civic duty, constructive participation, and earnest prayer. But the church never ultimately bows to the power of human thrones and systems. By clinging to eternal truths, following Christ’s command to love, and aiming to walk in the power of the Spirit, believers provide societies corrupted by evil leadership with an alternative vision—one centered around God. We preach Christ crucified and the hope of transformation through Him, holding fast to this calling rain or shine, stability or unrest, righteous ruler or tyrant.
As Paul declares, “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20). All other authorities remain subordinate.
