“The Greek word translated into power in Romans 13 is one of more than half a dozen words which are all translated into the single English word power in the New Testament. The word power can have over a dozen different definitions in any unabridged English dictionary. The question is which of these many definitions should we apply to our thinking when we read these words of Paul?”
“The word used in Romans 13 by Paul is exousia, which is defined: “power of choice, liberty of doing as one pleases.”1 It is translated “right” in Hebrews 13:10 and Revelations 22:14, and it is even translated “liberty” in Paul’s 1Corinthians 8:9.2″
“Does the word exousia mean the power of government, or the power of choice?
In Plato’s notes, the “Greek words for freedom (are) eleutheros (liberal/Free), exousia (Freedom/Power to do something), …”3 In Bryn Mawr’s Classical Review, the word exousia is said to express “the new concept of freedom, in opposition to the already defunct and unhelpful eleutheria.”4 Even the Greek Glossary of Aristotelian Terms states that exousia means “right”.5 Aristotle actually exemplifies exousia’s use in the statement, “The right (exousia) to do anything one wishes…”6″
“If the word exousia means power in the sense of “the right to choose” or “liberty of choice,” then Romans 13 should understood as saying:
“Let every soul be subject unto the higher liberty. For there is no liberty but of God: the liberties that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth (opposes) the liberty, resisteth (opposes) the ordinance of God: and they that resist (sets one’s self against) shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the liberty? Do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same.” Romans 13: 1,3″
“Understanding that the word exousia can and does mean liberty seems to turn the world upside down for some ministers who have been saying that the Bible is telling us to be obedient subject, when in fact Paul is telling us to be subject to liberty.”
Read more here; EXOUSIA
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