Higher Powers

In 1882, the Watch Tower publications identified the 'higher powers' of Romans 13:1 with earthly governments permitted by God, teaching Christians to respect civil authority without violating God's commands. This interpretation continued through 1921. In June 1929, the identification was reversed: the higher powers were understood to be Jehovah God and Jesus Christ rather than secular governments. In 1941, the twelve apostles were also described as potentially included among the superior authorities, while subsequent publications continued emphasizing Jehovah, Christ and theocratic authority. In 1962, the interpretation was reversed again, restoring the identification of the superior authorities with secular political governments. Their authority was explained as relative, permitted and limited by God, requiring Christians to obey laws, pay taxes and respect officials without disobeying divine commands. Publications from 1967 through 2000 reaffirmed this understanding, and the 1993 historical account explicitly acknowledged the 1962 adjustment.