Does Romans 13 Allow Tyranny?

My wife Chelsea and I discuss Romans chapter 13 and what we believe it really means. Have many Christians misunderstood verses 1-7? Did the Apostle Paul really teach that God's moral law can sanction tyranny from pagan rulers?

We ask and answer these questions about Romans chapter 13:

1. What are the "higher powers"?
2. What is the "good" and "evil"?
3. What about Paul's own ministry of being an outlaw?
4. What is the function of government being addressed? (vengeance and the second table of the law)

Scriptures Cited:

Romans 13:1-7

Matthew 20:25-27

2 Corinthians 11:23,32-33

1 Peter 2:13-14

Romans 12:19

Romans 13:9