Romans 13:1,Romans 13:2

The People's Bible by Joseph Parker - Romans 13:1-14

Ideal Society Romans 13:0 This is rough reading for the nineteenth century. It was not written in this century, or under the circumstances which constitute the aspect and responsibility of this age. It may be none the less applicable. It is the glory of the Bible that it contains principles which know nothing about time or space as constituting limit. On the other hand, we must read the Bible in the light of current necessity, established history, enlightened reason, and sensitive and active... read more

Robert Hawker

Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - Romans 13:1

CONTENTS Here are various Directions concerning Christian Graces, And the Chapter concludes with an affecting call of the Apostle from the shortness of Life, to be always clothed with Christ. read more

Robert Hawker

Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - Romans 13:1-10

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... read more

George Haydock

George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary - Romans 13:1

Let every soul, or every one, be subject, &c.[1] The Jews were apt to think themselves not subject to temporal princes, as to taxes, &c. and lest Christians should misconstrue their Christian liberty, he here teacheth them that every one (even priests and bishops, says St. John Chrysostom) must be subject and obedient to princes, even to heathens, as they were at that time, as to laws that regard the policy of the civil government, honouring them, obeying them, and their laws, as it is... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible - Romans 13:1-7

1-7 The grace of the gospel teaches us submission and quiet, where pride and the carnal mind only see causes for murmuring and discontent. Whatever the persons in authority over us themselves may be, yet the just power they have, must be submitted to and obeyed. In the general course of human affairs, rulers are not a terror to honest, quiet, and good subjects, but to evil-doers. Such is the power of sin and corruption, that many will be kept back from crimes only by the fear of punishment.... read more

Frank Binford Hole

F. B. Hole's Old and New Testament Commentary - Romans 13:1-99

Romans 13 THE EARLIER EXHORTATIONS of chapter 12 had to do with our behaviour in the Christian circle. Then from verse Rom_13:14 to the end we were instructed how to behave in relation to the men and women of the world, it being plainly assumed that we shall find a good deal of hostility in that quarter. As we open chapter 13, we are instructed how to act in regard to the governments and authorities of this world. A very important point this for the early Christians, who were frequently... read more

Paul E. Kretzmann

The Popular Commentary by Paul E. Kretzmann - Romans 13:1-4

Of Obedience to the Government, Love toward One's Neighbor, and the Walk in the Light. Government powers of God: v. 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. v. 2. Whosoever, therefore, resists the power resists the ordinance of God; and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. v. 3. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou, then, not be afraid of the power?... read more

Johann Peter Lange

Lange's Commentary on the Holy Scriptures: Critical, Doctrinal and Homiletical - Romans 13:1-6

Third Section.—Christian universalism (Roman Catholicism in Paul’s sense) in proper conduct toward the civil Government (the heathen State), which has a diaconal and liturgical service in the household of God. The office of civil Government definedRomans 13:1-61Let every soul be subject [submit himself] unto the higher powers [to the authorities which are over him].1 For there is no power [authority] but of [except from]2 God: the powers that be are [those which exist3 have been]ordained of... read more

Frederick Brotherton Meyer

F.B. Meyer's 'Through the Bible' Commentary - Romans 13:1-7

Rendering “to All Their Dues” Romans 13:1-7 Human government, like the existence of the family relationship, is a divine institution. It is part of the order of the world and rooted in the original conception of the race. It was never intended that we should live as individual units, but as members of family and state. It is evident, therefore, that the authority which is wielded by the ruler expresses, generally speaking, a divine principle. The comfort and well-being of society are better... read more

G. Campbell Morgan

G. Campbell Morgan's Exposition on the Whole Bible - Romans 13:1-14

The apostle now showed what attitude the believer will take toward the world. The first thing dealt with is submission to authority. These powers are of God. The believer's submission to the will of God is manifested in the world by his obedience to properly constituted authority. The very statement of the case, however, inferentially reveals another side of the question. The believer subjects himself to the power when he fulfils the true intent of his calling and office. Paul's own case will... read more