We will continue discussing Paul’s words of encouragement in Romans 12. After his description of spiritual gifts and how they ought to be used both within the community and to help those outside the Church, he turns his attention to address how we ought to react to those who oppose us. This passage contains one of the most peculiar verses in Romans: that by being kind even to one’s enemy, we thereby “heap burning coals on his head.” This strange comment has resulted in much confusion. But it leads into another very controversial statement about the role of government and political authority, often called “the divine right of kings.” Are we required to submit to political authority?

Download this lesson or listen to it below: