Quite often, we see Christians separating their loyalty to God from their obligation to their government, society or workplace.  It is as though they move backwards and forwards between two different realms, their obligations to worldly authorities and their duty to God.  It was particularly tempting for the believers in Rome, where state-sponsored idolatry denied Jesus Christ His rightful place as the Supreme Ruler.  But Paul said that all authority ultimately comes from God; so, no government can be in power without God's permission.

This may have been difficult for the original readers, some of whom were being persecuted.  Paul himself had been harassed and unjustly treated (2 Corinthians 6:4-10).  However, Paul only operated within the law even though the system may have been corrupted.  Even during his arrest and trials Paul did not escape but completely trusted Father God (Acts 27:23-25): just as Jesus did (Matthew 27:12-14).

What is our attitude to people and practices that are more powerful than us?  It depends on who we believe has the last word (Psalm 9:9).  Paul taught that everybody is ultimately accountable to God (Romans 14:12).  So, he willingly submitted to those who ruled over him, only challenging them within their own legal framework.  He trusted God to work, either with or against the authorities, so that His plan would be fulfilled.  That was all that mattered to Paul - even when everybody deserted him and it looked as though his second trial would bring his execution (2 Timothy 4:16-18).

Jesus made the same choices. 1 Peter 2:23 says, about Jesus, "When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly."  When you trust that God will have the last word - you can live confidently, legally and obediently in the society He has placed you.