"But [Carlstadt's] most remarkable position [in 1520]...[was] the word of Paul is not to be put on a level with Christ." Beard Luther (1899)

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Introduction

Why does Paul contend the rulers of this world are God's agents when Jesus says they are under the dominion of Satan?

Satan's Control Over World's Rulers

The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the LORD and against his Anointed One (Messiah). (Ps. 2:2.)

8 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;

9And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.

10Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. (Matt. 4:8.)

Jesus refers to Satan as the "ruler/prince of this world" three times (John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11)

31Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out. (John 12:31.)

30Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me. (John 14:30.)

Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. (John 16:11.)

Jesus says His kingdom is not of this world:

Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. (John 18:36.)

Similarly Apostle John writes: "whole world lieth in the evil one." (1 John 5:19.)

 

Paul Teaches World's Rulers Are Ordained of 'God'

1Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. 4For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.5Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. 6This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. (Romans 13:1-6, NIV)

Conclusion

This is further evidence that Paul did not meet the true Jesus on the road to Damascus, as we claim based upon comparing Jesus' warning in Matthew 24:4-5, 24-27 and Paul's vision in Acts 9:5-9. This is because Satan would send a message through the pseudo-Jesus that says the world rulers are God's agents when Satan actually has dominion over them.