Started reading this based on your comment about statism... https://peakd.com/christianity/@creatr/the-curmudgeon-s-bible-what-are-the-governing-authorities-of-romans-13-1

It makes a lot of sense. Words matter.

This statement in the linked article resonates:

"If you come across something in the bible that doesn't quite seem to fit the overall context, be suspicious. Do some digging. There are a plethora of online tools these days that can help you investigate and study the bible more deeply."