Abstract:
There have been controversies about Christians’ disposition towards political leadership or
civil authorities. The Apostle Paul (Romans 12:14-13:1-10) instructs Christians to submit to
political authorities; given that certain Christians had shunned all restraint because of their
heavenly calling and lost respect for earthly authorities. The burden of this study is the
appropriate attitude required from adherents of Christianity towards unfair, ungodly, and
despotic leaders. Christians are facing high-level of opposition and marginalization in Nigeria
especially in recent times. For instance, most scholars usually treat Romans 13:1-10 thus
neglecting Romans 12:14-21. Whereas Romans 12:14-21 is the preceding part of Romans
13:1-10. Therefore, the study employed a historical-critical reading of Romans 12:14-13:10 as
a composite unit and its applicability to Christians’ socio-political responsibilities in Nigeria.
Primary data is elicited from the Bible with the aid of exegetical tools, while secondary data
were sourced from works referencing the selected biblical text and on political governance in
Nigeria. Data was content-analysed within the ambit of a phenomenological approach
whereby attention is placed on Christians’ disposition towards political leaders and civil
authorities. Political obligation theory has been found appropriate and deployed for this study.
Hence, the paper recommends that Christians should avoid contemptuous or indifferent
disposition to civil authorities and political leaders. Christians occupying political offices should
enliven their Christian virtues amidst persecution and repression.
