Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 13:2
Whosoever resisteth the power - Ὁ αντιτασσομενος , He who sets himself in order against this order of God; τῃ του Θεου διαταγῃ , and they who resist, οἱ ανθεστηκοτες , they who obstinately, and for no right reason, oppose the ruler, and strive to unsettle the constitution, and to bring about illegal changes, Shall receive to themselves damnation - Κριμα , condemnation; shall be condemned both by the spirit and letter of that constitution, which, under pretense of defending... read more
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 13:1
Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers - This is a very strong saying, and most solemnly introduced; and we must consider the apostle as speaking, not from his own private judgment, or teaching a doctrine of present expediency, but declaring the mind of God on a subject of the utmost importance to the peace of the world; a doctrine which does not exclusively belong to any class of people, order of the community, or official situations, but to every soul; and, on the principles... read more