1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: 4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. 5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. 6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. (Romans 13:1-6 KJV)
Commentary
We are taught here how to conduct ourselves toward magistrates and those in authority, called the higher powers—so named for their authority and dignity (Romans 13:1). This includes both the supreme ruler and all inferior magistrates under him. The passage speaks not of the individuals themselves, but of the office they hold. Even if those in power are wicked, the authority they bear must be respected and obeyed, for it is ordained by God.
The apostle had earlier taught believers not to avenge themselves (Romans 12:19), and lest this seem to abolish civil authority, he now asserts its necessity and the justice of punishing evildoers. The duty is clear: “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities.” This command includes all people, not excluding the clergy or spiritual leaders. Our consciences are not bound to the will of any man, for only God can make laws that directly bind the conscience (Matthew 22:21). Yet our submission to rulers must be voluntary, sincere, and from the heart. Scripture warns, “Curse not the king, even in your thoughts” (Ecclesiastes 10:20). We must show inward honor (1 Peter 2:17) and outward respect, obeying their lawful commands, and patiently bearing penalties when required—conforming to our place as subjects and accepting the order God has set.
This duty was especially important because Christianity was falsely accused of being an enemy to public order, a sect that “turned the world upside down” (Acts 17:6), and its followers were often branded as enemies of Caesar. Christ Himself had been falsely accused of rebellion, though He declared, “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36). To clear Christianity from this reproach, Paul shows that obedience to civil rulers is part of Christ’s teaching, and that His followers are meant to be good citizens.
There was also a temptation among some Jewish Christians to reject submission to non-Jewish rulers, since their law required that a king be chosen “from among your brethren” (Deuteronomy 17:15). Paul therefore reminds them that Christian liberty does not cancel civil duty. Even though the rulers were heathens and persecutors, their authority was still valid, for government itself is God’s ordinance.
We must be subject, first, for wrath’s sake—because resistance invites punishment. Magistrates bear the sword and will execute judgment on those who oppose them. The Christians of that time were already exposed to persecution for their faith; they should not add rebellion to their suffering. “Those who resist will bring judgment on themselves” (Romans 13:2). God will call them to account, for to resist lawful authority is to resist His ordinance. Civil rulers will also punish rebellion, since treason is universally abhorred.
But beyond fear of punishment, we must also submit for conscience’ sake (Romans 13:5)—out of respect for God who established authority. Our obedience, when done from a sense of duty to God, becomes an act of virtue. Paul argues for this from three points: the institution, the intention, and the benefits of magistracy.
First, from its institution: “There is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been established by God” (Romans 13:1). God, as ruler of the world, ordained civil government to preserve order among mankind. Even unjust rulers have no power except what God permits (John 19:11). The form of government—whether monarchy, aristocracy, or democracy—is a human arrangement, but the principle of authority itself is divine. Therefore, to resist authority is to oppose God’s ordinance and despise a blessing He has provided for human welfare. Magistrates are called “God’s ministers” (Romans 13:4, 6), because in administering justice, protecting the innocent, and punishing evildoers, they act as His servants. As killing a royal officer on duty is treason against the king, so resisting lawful magistrates is rebellion against God.
Second, from its intention: rulers are meant to be “a terror not to good conduct, but to bad” (Romans 13:3). They bear the sword of justice to restrain evildoers who will not be guided by conscience. Because of human corruption, penalties and punishments have become necessary. Laws that punish wrongdoing are therefore consistent with the gospel (1 Timothy 1:9). The magistrate executes wrath upon the evildoer as God’s minister. “He does not bear the sword in vain” (Romans 13:4); the authority he wields is meant to preserve peace, protect the upright, and deter sin. When rulers punish evil deeds, they act as God’s agents: bearing witness to His holiness, maintaining national order, defending the righteous, and warning sinners. Even punishment serves mercy, that by the destruction of the flesh the spirit may be saved (1 Corinthians 5:5).
At the same time, rulers are “a praise to those who do good” (Romans 13:3). Those who obey the law and live uprightly should have nothing to fear from civil authority, for government exists to protect and commend the virtuous. When magistrates fulfill their duty, their power is a blessing to all who live rightly. And even when rulers fail in this purpose, it is still better to endure a corrupt government than to have none at all (Psalm 12:8). Paul himself appealed to Caesar (Acts 25:11) and received protection under the Roman law, even under Nero’s reign. It is better to submit patiently to persecution for doing good than to resort to rebellion and disorder.
Third, from our interest in government: “He is God’s servant for your good” (Romans 13:4). Since we benefit from the peace and protection that government provides, we are bound to support and obey it. Protection calls for allegiance. This is why Paul says, “For this reason you also pay taxes” (Romans 13:6). Paying taxes is both an acknowledgment of lawful authority and a contribution to the maintenance of the system that safeguards us. Refusing to submit while benefiting from its protection is hypocrisy. Paying tribute is not a charitable gift, but a just debt, repaid through the blessings of public order and security.
Those who rule, if they do their duty, carry a heavy burden of responsibility, “attending continually to this very thing” (Romans 13:6). Tribute supports their labor for the common good. Therefore, Christians should willingly render to all their due: “taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, respect to whom respect, and honor to whom honor” (Romans 13:7).
This teaching shows that true godliness promotes peace and order. Whatever others may do, Christians must be known as the quiet and law-abiding in the land (1 Timothy 2:1-2), submitting for conscience’ sake to the authorities God has established. In doing so, they honor both God’s ordinance and the welfare of all.