All spheres of governance are to serve God. When any
otherwise legitimate governance does not obey God, a Christian is not bound to
obey it. This verse has been most narrowly cast as an example of prohibition of
preaching, as if preaching were the only area of Christian obedience. Actually,
it is one of a large number of potential cases. A wife does not have to obey
her husband if he demands of her sin. Ditto, a child his parents. Ditto, a
church member. Given that a behavior commanded by an authority is not always
immediately known to be disobedient to God, the one commanded has some leeway in
decision. The clearer the issue, the clearer the mandate (not privilege) to
disobey the human power. Disobedience may be open or covert, passive or active,
with acceptance of consequences meted out by the authority or avoidance of
them.
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