This is one of my biggest issues. People will take Romans 13 completely out of context and use it to suggest that we should always obey the Government no matter what. That not only ignores Acts 5:29 but also the broader context of Romans 13 itself.
OK. But the Acts 5:29
context is telling the High Priest he has no business meddling in religious freedoms and evangelical efforts. So your top rebuttal is not even
related to secular government.
And there are other passages
on the topic of earth based government:
1 Peter 2:13-17
Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.
Titus 3:1
Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work,
1 Timothy 2:1-3
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior,
Psalm 22:28
For kingship belongs to the Lord, and he rules over the nations.
Daniel 2:20-21
Daniel answered and said: “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might. He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding;
Proverbs 21:1
The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will.
Deuteronomy 16:18-20
“You shall appoint judges and officers in all your towns that the Lord your God is giving you, according to your tribes, and they shall judge the people with righteous judgment. You shall not pervert justice. You shall not show partiality, and you shall not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and subverts the cause of the righteous. Justice, and only justice, you shall follow, that you may live and inherit the land that the Lord your God is giving you.
Revelation 1:5-6
And from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth.
Matthew 22:21
They said, “Caesar's.” Then he said to them, “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.”
John 19:10-11
So Pilate said to him, “You will not speak to me? Do you not know that I have authority to release you and authority to crucify you?” Jesus answered him, “You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. Therefore he who delivered me over to you has the greater sin.”
Exodus 18:21
Moreover, look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place such men over the people as chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens.
Proverbs 8:15
By me kings reign, and rulers decree what is just;
Mark 3:24
If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.
Daniel 2:21
He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding;
Daniel 4:32
And you shall be driven from among men, and your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field. And you shall be made to eat grass like an ox, and seven periods of time shall pass over you, until you know that the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will.”
Luke 20:25
He said to them, “Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.”
