The Powers That Be

Perhaps the most commonly used idiom from the Bible is “the powers that be.” We have also managed to retain its original meaning, albeit we perhaps use the expression with more of a sense of resignation than is strictly necessary.

The phrase comes from the Tyndale Bible, via the King James:

Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. (Romans 13:1)

This comes from Paul’s letter to the Romans. He presents a two-pronged argument: practicality and morality:

Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience. (Rom 13:3-5)

Paul would certainly find himself subject to the powers that were. He was imprisoned multiple times, probably writing Phillipians, Colossians, Philemon, and Ephesians from Roman prisons. The book of Acts recounts an episode in which Paul could escape from prison but chooses not to:

Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose. The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!” (Acts 16:26-28)

The jailor–and his family–were thereby converted, while Paul would go on to be imprisoned further times. Acts ends with Paul preaching in Rome under house arrest while awaiting trial.

Jesus himself acknowledged the same during his trial with Pilate:

Jesus answered, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.” (John 19:11)

But in the end, Paul can write of Jesus:

He is the head over every power and authority. (Col 2:10)