Romans 13 is Anarchist
The 13th chapter of Romans, and specifically the first two verses, is often used by Christian statists to justify the existence of the state in a Christian framework. Christian anarchists and libertarians encounter the verse often, but don’t always have an adequate response to its use in this context. Any principled Christian anarchist won’t have any contentions with Romans 13 and will even recognize that the chapter is not only compatible with anarchism, but completely advocates for it.
"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. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation."
Romans 13:1-2 KJV
The statist interpretation of these verses varies quite a bit. Some would say that the "powers" include all government authorities, including people like Joe Biden and even Hitler. Others will recognize that this is a ridiculous interpretation in the context of the entire chapter, which goes on to say:
"For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: for he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil."
Romans 13:3-4 KJV
Clearly, evil rulers are excluded from the ordained "powers" since these powers must not be a "terror to good works". It is now established that the powers in Romans 13 are not just a blanket reference to those who have worldly authority. Recognizing this fact is a huge step in the right direction. Later in the chapter, it is said:
"For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself."
Romans 13:9 KJV
The reiteration of some of the 10 commandments here is very important. Specifically, in this context, we must focus on the commandments against stealing and murder. There are many legitimate and just authorities and powers. Pastors, church leaders, bosses, and various voluntary organizations would fit within the framework of Romans 13. The state is not just your average authority. The state, by definition, necessitates coercive taxation. Taxation is not simply a tribute, as expressed in verse 7, it is far more malicious. Taxation does not require consent or so much as a legitimate contract. A tribute is something we pay voluntarily, without the need for coercion. It is a commandment that we must choose to follow, not be forced into. As Murray Rothbard points out in Anatomy of The State:
"…the State is that organization in society which attempts to maintain a monopoly of the use of force and violence in a given territorial area; in particular, it is the only organization in society that obtains its revenue, not by voluntary contribution or payment for services rendered but by coercion. While other individuals or institutions obtain their income by production of goods and services and by the peaceful and voluntary sale of these goods and services to others, the State obtains its revenue by the use of compulsion; that is, by the use and the threat of the jailhouse and the bayonet."
Romans 13 commands us to give tribute where tribute is due, not to have our income taken away by force. Churches, insurance companies, clubs, and all forms of voluntary organizations have legitimate and voluntary dues. A real, legitimate tribute does not happen under the threat of violence.