ROMANS 13:1-7: A REVIEW OF POST-1989 READINGS

  • Bernard Lategan Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study Stellenbosch University
Keywords: Romans 13, Church and State, Authority, Empire Studies, Civil Disobedience, War on Terrorism

Abstract

Romans 13:1-7 has remained a challenge for interpreters throughout the history of the New Testament. A previous study investigated the actual readings of the passage during the political transition in South Africa. The present article is a follow-up study and examines readings in the post-1989 period. Political events and the rise of empire studies deeply influenced the reading of the passage. Certain types of reading continue, but there is also a marked increase of ‘realistic’ or ‘pragmatic’ readings. The article concludes with some future perspectives.
Published
2013-06-12
Section
Articles