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The authorities that exist have been appointed by God.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/romans/13-1.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/45_Rom_13_01.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Romans 13:1 - Submission to Authorities" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. 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The authorities that exist have been established by God. <a href="/nlt/romans/13.htm">New Living Translation</a> Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. <a href="/esv/romans/13.htm">English Standard Version</a> Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. <a href="/bsb/romans/13.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. <a href="/blb/romans/13.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Let every soul be subject to the authorities being above him. For there is no authority except by God; but those existing are having been instituted by God. <a href="/kjv/romans/13.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/romans/13.htm">New King James Version</a> Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. <a href="/nasb_/romans/13.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Every person is to be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. <a href="/nasb/romans/13.htm">NASB 1995</a> Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. <a href="/nasb77/romans/13.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Let every person be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. <a href="/lsb/romans/13.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist have been appointed by God. <a href="/amp/romans/13.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God [granted by His permission and sanction], and those which exist have been put in place by God. <a href="/csb/romans/13.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Let everyone submit to the governing authorities, since there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are instituted by God. <a href="/hcsb/romans/13.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Everyone must submit to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those that exist are instituted by God. <a href="/asv/romans/13.htm">American Standard Version</a> Let every soul be in subjection to the higher powers: for there is no power but of God; and the powers that be are ordained of God. <a href="/cev/romans/13.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Obey the rulers who have authority over you. Only God can give authority to anyone, and he puts these rulers in their places of power. <a href="/erv/romans/13.htm">English Revised Version</a> Let every soul be in subjection to the higher powers: for there is no power but of God; and the powers that be are ordained of God. <a href="/gwt/romans/13.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Every person should obey the government in power. No government would exist if it hadn't been established by God. The governments which exist have been put in place by God. <a href="/gnt/romans/13.htm">Good News Translation</a> Everyone must obey state authorities, because no authority exists without God's permission, and the existing authorities have been put there by God. <a href="/isv/romans/13.htm">International Standard Version</a> Every person must be subject to the governing authorities, for no authority exists except by God's permission. The existing authorities have been established by God, <a href="/msb/romans/13.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. <a href="/net/romans/13.htm">NET Bible</a> Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except by God's appointment, and the authorities that exist have been instituted by God. <a href="/nheb/romans/13.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Let every person be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those that exist are appointed by God. <a href="/wbt/romans/13.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Let every soul be subject to the higher powers. For there is no power but from God: the powers that are, are ordained by God. <a href="/wey/romans/13.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Let every individual be obedient to those who rule over him; for no one is a ruler except by God's permission, and our present rulers have had their rank and power assigned to them by Him. <a href="/web/romans/13.htm">World English Bible</a> Let every soul be in subjection to the higher authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those who exist are ordained by God. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/romans/13.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Let every soul be subject to the higher authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and the authorities existing are appointed by God, <a href="/blb/romans/13.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Let every soul be subject to the authorities being above him. For there is no authority except by God; but those existing are having been instituted by God. <a href="/ylt/romans/13.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> Let every soul to the higher authorities be subject, for there is no authority except from God, and the authorities existing are appointed by God, <a href="/slt/romans/13.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Let every soul be placed under the protecting powers. For there is no power except from God: and the powers being, were ordered by God.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/romans/13.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> LET every soul be subject to higher powers: for there is no power but from God: and those that are, are ordained of God. <a href="/cpdv/romans/13.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Let every soul be subject to higher authorities. For there is no authority except from God and those who have been ordained by God. <a href="/nabre/romans/13.htm">New American Bible</a> Let every person be subordinate to the higher authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been established by God. <a href="/nrsvce/romans/13.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Let every person be subject to the governing authorities; for there is no authority except from God, and those authorities that exist have been instituted by God.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/romans/13.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> LET every soul be subject to the sover eign authorities. For there is no power which is not from God: and those who are in authority are ordained by God. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/romans/13.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> Let every soul be subject to the authority of the great, for there is no authority that is not from the same God, and those authorities who are from God are under orders.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/romans/13.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Let every soul be subject to the higher authorities. For there is no authority but from God: the authorities that are, have been appointed by God. <a href="/godbey/romans/13.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> Let every soul be subject to the higher authorities. For there is no authority except that which is from God; and the existing authorities have been ordained of God. <a href="/haweis/romans/13.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> LET every soul be subject to the superior powers: for there is no power but from God; the existing powers are appointed by God. <a href="/mace/romans/13.htm">Mace New Testament</a> Be every one of you subject to the ruling powers, for every ruler holds of God: the rulers in being are constituted by God. <a href="/wey/romans/13.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Let every individual be obedient to those who rule over him; for no one is a ruler except by God's permission, and our present rulers have had their rank and power assigned to them by Him. <a href="/worrell/romans/13.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Let every soul be in subjection to the authorities that are over him; for there is no authority, except from God; and the authorities that are have been appointed by God. <a href="/worsley/romans/13.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> Let every soul be subject to the powers that are over them: for there is no such power but from God: the powers that are over men, are appointed by God. <a href="/parallel/romans/13-1.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KIZs4GUMn-g?start=3190" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/romans/13.htm">Submission to Authorities</a> 1<a href="/greek/3956.htm" title="3956: Pasa (Adj-NFS) -- All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.">Everyone</a> <a href="/greek/5590.htm" title="5590: psychē (N-NFS) -- From psucho; breath, i.e. spirit, abstractly or concretely."></a> <a href="/greek/5293.htm" title="5293: hypotassesthō (V-PMP-3S) -- From hupo and tasso; to subordinate; reflexively, to obey.">must submit himself</a> <a href="/greek/1849.htm" title="1849: exousiais (N-DFP) -- From exesti; privilege, i.e. force, capacity, competency, freedom, or mastery, delegated influence.">to the governing authorities,</a> <a href="/greek/5242.htm" title="5242: hyperechousais (V-PPA-DFP) -- To excel, surpass, be superior. From huper and echo; to hold oneself above, i.e. to excel; participle superior, superiority."></a> <a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.">for</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estin (V-PIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">there is</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ou (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">no</a> <a href="/greek/1849.htm" title="1849: exousia (N-NFS) -- From exesti; privilege, i.e. force, capacity, competency, freedom, or mastery, delegated influence.">authority</a> <a href="/greek/1487.htm" title="1487: ei (Conj) -- If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.">except</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether."></a> <a href="/greek/5259.htm" title="5259: hypo (Prep) -- A primary preposition; under, i.e. of place, or with verbs; of place (underneath) or where (below) or time (when).">that which is from</a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theou (N-GMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">God.</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hai (Art-NFP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">The authorities that</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: ousai (V-PPA-NFP) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">exist</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: eisin (V-PIA-3P) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist."></a> <a href="/greek/5021.htm" title="5021: tetagmenai (V-RPM/P-NFP) -- A prolonged form of a primary verb; to arrange in an orderly manner, i.e. Assign or dispose.">have been appointed</a> <a href="/greek/5259.htm" title="5259: hypo (Prep) -- A primary preposition; under, i.e. of place, or with verbs; of place (underneath) or where (below) or time (when).">by</a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theou (N-GMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">God.</a> 2Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/1_peter/2-13.htm">1 Peter 2:13-17</a> Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to the king as the supreme authority, / or to governors as those sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right. / For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorance of foolish men. ... <a href="/titus/3-1.htm">Titus 3:1</a> Remind the believers to submit to rulers and authorities, to be obedient and ready for every good work, <a href="/matthew/22-21.htm">Matthew 22:21</a> “Caesar’s,” they answered. So Jesus told them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” <a href="/john/19-11.htm">John 19:11</a> Jesus answered, “You would have no authority over Me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed Me over to you is guilty of greater sin.” <a href="/daniel/2-21.htm">Daniel 2:21</a> He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. <a href="/proverbs/8-15.htm">Proverbs 8:15-16</a> By me kings reign, and rulers enact just laws; / By me princes rule, and all nobles who govern justly. <a href="/acts/5-29.htm">Acts 5:29</a> But Peter and the other apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men. <a href="/1_timothy/2-1.htm">1 Timothy 2:1-2</a> First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone— / for kings and all those in authority—so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity. <a href="/jeremiah/27-5.htm">Jeremiah 27:5-7</a> By My great power and outstretched arm, I made the earth and the men and beasts on the face of it, and I give it to whom I please. / So now I have placed all these lands under the authority of My servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon. I have even made the beasts of the field subject to him. / All nations will serve him and his son and grandson, until the time of his own land comes; then many nations and great kings will enslave him. <a href="/daniel/4-17.htm">Daniel 4:17</a> This decision is the decree of the watchers, the verdict declared by the holy ones, so that the living will know that the Most High rules over the kingdom of mankind and gives it to whom He wishes, setting over it the lowliest of men.’ <a href="/colossians/1-16.htm">Colossians 1:16</a> For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. All things were created through Him and for Him. <a href="/psalms/75-6.htm">Psalm 75:6-7</a> For exaltation comes neither from east nor west, nor out of the desert, / but it is God who judges; He brings down one and exalts another. <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-20.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:20</a> Do not curse the king even in your thoughts, or curse the rich even in your bedroom, for a bird of the air may carry your words, and a winged creature may report your speech. <a href="/1_samuel/24-6.htm">1 Samuel 24:6</a> So he said to his men, “The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD’s anointed. May I never lift my hand against him, since he is the LORD’s anointed.” <a href="/exodus/22-28.htm">Exodus 22:28</a> You must not blaspheme God or curse the ruler of your people.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Let every soul be subject to the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.every.<a href="/deuteronomy/17-12.htm">Deuteronomy 17:12</a> And the man that will do presumptuously, and will not hearken unto the priest that standeth to minister there before the LORD thy God, or unto the judge, even that man shall die: and thou shalt put away the evil from Israel.<a href="/ephesians/5-21.htm">Ephesians 5:21</a> Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.<a href="/titus/3-1.htm">Titus 3:1</a> Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,there.<a href="/1_samuel/2-8.htm">1 Samuel 2:8</a> He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD'S, and he hath set the world upon them.<a href="/1_chronicles/28-4.htm">1 Chronicles 28:4,5</a> Howbeit the LORD God of Israel chose me before all the house of my father to be king over Israel for ever: for he hath chosen Judah to be the ruler; and of the house of Judah, the house of my father; and among the sons of my father he liked me to make me king over all Israel: … <a href="/psalms/62-11.htm">Psalm 62:11</a> God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God.ordained.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/romans/9-9.htm">Appointed</a> <a href="/acts/22-10.htm">Assigned</a> <a href="/acts/17-8.htm">Authorities</a> <a href="/romans/12-8.htm">Authority</a> <a href="/romans/1-11.htm">Established</a> <a href="/romans/10-15.htm">Except</a> <a href="/acts/17-28.htm">Exist</a> <a href="/acts/19-40.htm">Existing</a> <a href="/romans/12-19.htm">God's</a> <a href="/romans/8-38.htm">Higher</a> <a href="/romans/12-3.htm">Individual</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/9-22.htm">Instituted</a> <a href="/romans/6-17.htm">Obedient</a> <a href="/romans/7-10.htm">Ordained</a> <a href="/romans/12-17.htm">Ordered</a> <a href="/acts/28-16.htm">Permission</a> <a href="/romans/12-8.htm">Power</a> <a href="/romans/8-38.htm">Powers</a> <a href="/romans/12-2.htm">Present</a> <a href="/acts/25-23.htm">Rank</a> <a href="/romans/11-30.htm">Rule</a> <a href="/acts/26-30.htm">Ruler</a> <a href="/romans/8-38.htm">Rulers</a> <a href="/romans/2-9.htm">Soul</a> <a href="/romans/11-29.htm">Subject</a> <a href="/romans/8-20.htm">Subjection</a> <a href="/romans/10-3.htm">Submit</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/romans/13-2.htm">Appointed</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-5.htm">Assigned</a> <a href="/romans/13-2.htm">Authorities</a> <a href="/romans/13-2.htm">Authority</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-37.htm">Established</a> <a href="/romans/13-8.htm">Except</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-28.htm">Exist</a> <a href="/philippians/2-6.htm">Existing</a> <a href="/romans/13-2.htm">God's</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/12-31.htm">Higher</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-17.htm">Individual</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-28.htm">Instituted</a> <a href="/romans/15-18.htm">Obedient</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-21.htm">Ordained</a> <a href="/romans/16-19.htm">Ordered</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-6.htm">Permission</a> <a href="/romans/13-2.htm">Power</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/12-10.htm">Powers</a> <a href="/romans/13-11.htm">Present</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-23.htm">Rank</a> <a href="/romans/14-9.htm">Rule</a> <a href="/romans/13-2.htm">Ruler</a> <a href="/romans/13-3.htm">Rulers</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-45.htm">Soul</a> <a href="/romans/13-5.htm">Subject</a> <a href="/romans/13-5.htm">Subjection</a> <a href="/romans/13-5.htm">Submit</a><div class="vheading2">Romans 13</div>1. <a href="/romans/13-1.htm">Subjection, and many other duties, we owe to the authorities.</a> 8. <a href="/romans/13-8.htm">Love is the fulfillment of the law.</a> 11. <a href="/romans/13-11.htm">The acts of darkness are out of season in the time of the Gospel.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/romans/13.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/romans/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/romans/13.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities This phrase emphasizes the universal principle of submission to authority, which is a recurring theme in Scripture. The call to submit is not limited to a specific group but applies to all believers. In the context of the Roman Empire, where Paul was writing, the governing authorities were often oppressive and pagan. Yet, Paul instructs Christians to submit, reflecting a broader biblical principle of respecting and obeying authority (<a href="/1_peter/2-13.htm">1 Peter 2:13-17</a>). This submission is not absolute, as seen in <a href="/acts/5-29.htm">Acts 5:29</a>, where Peter and the apostles assert that obedience to God takes precedence over human authority when the two are in conflict.for there is no authority except that which is from God This phrase underscores the sovereignty of God over all earthly powers. It reflects the biblical worldview that God is the ultimate source of all authority, as seen in <a href="/daniel/2-21.htm">Daniel 2:21</a>, where God is described as the one who "changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others." This understanding provides comfort and assurance to believers, knowing that even imperfect human governments are under God's control. It also serves as a reminder of God's providence and the divine order established in creation.The authorities that exist have been appointed by God This statement reinforces the idea that all existing authorities are established by divine appointment. It echoes the Old Testament teaching found in <a href="/proverbs/8-15.htm">Proverbs 8:15-16</a>, where wisdom personified declares, "By me kings reign and rulers issue decrees that are just; by me princes govern, and nobles—all who rule on earth." This perspective encourages believers to view political and social structures as part of God's plan, even when they do not align with personal or cultural preferences. It also calls for a recognition of God's ultimate purpose and plan, which can work through any government, as seen in the lives of biblical figures like Joseph and Daniel, who served under foreign rulers yet remained faithful to God.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a> The author of the Book of Romans, Paul was a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and theological teachings. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_roman_church.htm">The Roman Church</a> The original recipients of the letter, the Roman Christians were a diverse group living under the rule of the Roman Empire, which was known for its complex and often oppressive governance. 3. <a href="/topical/g/governing_authorities.htm">Governing Authorities</a> Refers to the political and civil leaders in power at any given time, which, in the context of Romans, would have been the Roman government. 4. <a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a> The ultimate authority and sovereign ruler, who, according to this verse, appoints earthly authorities. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_roman_empire.htm">The Roman Empire</a> The political context in which the Roman Christians lived, characterized by its vast reach and influence over the known world at the time.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/d/divine_sovereignty.htm">Divine Sovereignty</a> Recognize that all authority is established by God, and trust in His ultimate plan and purpose, even when earthly authorities seem unjust or corrupt. <a href="/topical/c/christian_conduct.htm">Christian Conduct</a> As Christians, we are called to live in a way that respects and honors the authorities placed over us, reflecting our faith and trust in God's order. <a href="/topical/p/prayer_for_leaders.htm">Prayer for Leaders</a> Regularly pray for those in authority, asking God to guide their decisions and lead them in righteousness. <a href="/topical/c/civil_obedience_and_witness.htm">Civil Obedience and Witness</a> Understand that our submission to authorities is a form of witness to the world, demonstrating our commitment to peace and order as followers of Christ. <a href="/topical/d/discernment_and_limits.htm">Discernment and Limits</a> While submission is important, discernment is necessary to know when civil disobedience is required in cases where obeying human authority would mean disobeying God.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_romans_13.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Romans 13</a> <a href="/q/bible_on_churches'_tax-exemption.htm">What does the Bible say about churches' tax-exempt status?</a> <a href="/q/bible's_view_on_conscientious_objection.htm">What does the Bible say about conscientious objection?</a> <a href="/q/bible's_view_on_government.htm">What is the Bible's perspective on government?</a> <a href="/q/can_caspian_reclaim_narnia_from_his_uncle.htm">Will Prince Caspian reclaim Narnia from his usurping uncle?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/romans/13.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>XIII.(1-7) Subject unto the higher powers.--Looking impartially at the passage which follows, it would seem at first sight--and perhaps not only at first sight--that the Apostle distinctly preaches two doctrines, both of which are now discredited, the doctrines of divine right and of passive obedience. The duty of obedience is grounded upon the fact that the power wielded by the magistrate is derived from God, and that duty itself is stated without qualification.What are we to understand by this? Are we to say, for instance, that Hampden was wrong in refusing the payment of ship-money? Or if he was not wrong--and the verdict of mankind has generally justified his act--what are we to think of the language that is here used by St. Paul?1. In the first place it should be noticed that though the duty of obedience is here stated without qualification, still the existence of qualifications to it is not therefore denied or excluded. Tribute is to be paid to whom tribute is due. But this still leaves the question open, whether in any particular case tribute is rightfully due or not. There may possibly be a conflict of rights and duties, and the lower may have to yield to the higher. All that is alleged is that, prima facie, the magistrate can claim the obedience of the subject. But supposing the magistrate calls upon the subject to do that which some other authority co-ordinate with that of the magistrate forbids--supposing, for instance, as in the case of Hampden, under a constitutional monarchy, the king commands one thing, and the Parliament another--there is clearly a conflict of obligations, and the decision which accepts the one obligation is not necessarily wrong because it ignores the other. There will always be a certain debatable ground within which opposite duties will seem to clash, and where general principles are no longer of any avail. Here the individual conscience must assume the responsibility of deciding which to obey.We are not called upon to enter into the casuistry of the subject. It may only be well to add one caution. Any such seemingly direct collision of duties must be at the very lightest a most serious and difficult matter; and though the burden of deciding falls ultimately on the individual, still he must be careful to remember that his particular judgment is subject to that fallibility to which, all individual judgments are liable. Where the precept is appealed to, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's," one man will say that the particular point in question comes under the first head, another that it comes under the second. In either case a great responsibility is assumed, and it is especially desirable that the judgment of the individual should be fortified by the consent of others, if possible by the suffrages of the majority of those who are in a position to judge. It is one thing to say that a conflict of duties may arise, and that the higher is to be obeyed. It is another thing to say that in a certain given case such conflict has arisen, and that the duty which commends itself to the individual is the higher of the two. Whatever the decision arrived at, it ought not to be made in a spirit of levity, nor ought it to be supposed that the dictum of the single conscience bears anything like the same validity as the universal principles of morals. And there will be the further drawback, that in such cases the individual usually acts as judge in his own cause, where his conscience is pretty sure to be biased. There is therefore a very strong onus probandi thrown upon the person who takes upon himself to overrule what is in itself a clear obligation.2. But the question of political obedience cannot be rightly considered without taking into account the relation of Christianity to political life generally, neither can this isolated passage in an Epistle of St. Paul's be considered apart from other teaching upon the same subjects in the rest of the New Testament. Very similar language, it will be remembered, is found in <a href="/context/1_peter/2-13.htm" title="Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;">1Peter 2:13-17</a>. And going back to the fountain-head of Christian doctrine, we find, indeed, no express statements, but several significant facts and some important intimations. When He was arrested by the civil power, and unjustly tried and condemned, our Lord made no resistance. Not only so, but when resistance was made on His behalf, He rebuked the disciple who had drawn the sword for Him. When the didrachma was demanded of Him, which it was customary for the Jew to pay towards the repair and maintenance of the Temple, He, though as Lord of the Temple He claimed exemption, nevertheless, for fear of putting a stumbling-block in the way of others, supplied the sum required by a miracle. On another occasion, when a question was asked as to the legitimacy of the Roman tribute, He replied in words already quoted, "Render to Caesar the things which are Caesar's, and to God the things which are God's." And, lastly, when appeal was made to Him to settle a disputed inheritance, He refused, saying to His petitioner, "Man, who made Me a judge or a divider over you?" Here we have really the key to the whole question. So far as His practice was concerned, our Lord pursued a course of simple obedience; into the theory of political or civil obligation He absolutely refused to enter. The answer, "Render to Caesar," &c., left matters precisely as they stood, for the real question was, "What was Caesar's, and what was not?" The ambiguity of the reply was intended. It was practically a refusal to reply at all.The significance of this comes out very strikingly when it is contrasted with the state of feeling and opinion current among the Jews at the same time. With them politics and religion were intimately blended. They carried into the former sphere the fanaticism natural to the latter. Their religious hopes took a political form. The dominion of the Messiah was to be not a spiritual, but a literal dominion, in which they, as a people, were to share.Clearly, the relations which our Lord assumed towards politics had especial reference to this attitude of the Jews. He wished to disabuse His disciples once and for all of this fatal confusion of two spheres in themselves so distinct. He wished to purify and to spiritualise their conception of the "Kingdom of Heaven," which He came to found. And, lastly, He finally submitted to the civil power, as the instrument divinely employed to inflict upon Him those sufferings which were to be the cause of our redemption. Vicit patiendo.It would seem as if by some intuitive perception the disciples entered into the intention of their Master. Towards the civil power they maintained an attitude of absolute submission. They refused to avail themselves of the elements of fanaticism which existed wherever there were Jews, and at the head of which they might easily have placed themselves. Instead of this, they chose to suffer and die, and their sufferings did what force could never have done--they leavened and Christianised the world.3. It is an expression of this deliberate policy (if by that name it may be called) which we find in these first seven verses of Romans 13. At the same time, the Apostle may very well have had a special as well as a general object. The Church at Rome was largely composed of Jews, and these would naturally be imbued with the fanatical spirit of their countrymen. The very mention of the Messiah would tend to fan their smouldering passions into flame. The Apostle would be aware of this. His informants at Rome may have told him of excitement prevailing among the Jewish portion of the community. His experience in Palestine would tell him to what unscrupulous acts of violence this might lead. And he forestalls the danger by an authoritative and reasoned description of the attitude which the Christian ought to assume. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/romans/13.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 1-8. - From admonitions to keep peace, if possible, with all men, whether or not within the Christian circle, and to act honourably and benevolently towards all, the apostle now passes to the duty of Christians towards the civil government and the laws of the country in which they lived. It is well known that the Jews were impatient of the Roman dominion, and that some held it to be unlawful, on religious grounds, to pay tribute to Caesar (<a href="/matthew/22-17.htm">Matthew 22:17</a>). Insurrections against the government had consequently been frequent. There had been the notable one under Judas the Gaulonite of Gamala (called ὁ Γαλιλαῖος, <a href="/acts/5-37.htm">Acts 5:37</a>), who left followers behind him, called Gaulonites, and to whose tenets Josephus attributes all subsequent insurrections of the Jews ('Ant.,' 18:01. § 1). Recently one had broken out in Rome, which had caused Claudius to order the expulsion of all Jews from the city (<a href="/acts/17-2.htm">Acts 17:2</a>; cf. Suetonius, 'Claud.,' 25; Din Cassius, 60:6). The Christians, being regarded as a Jewish sect, and known for their acknowledgment of a Messiah and their refusal to comply with heathen usages, were not unnaturally confounded with such disturbers of the peace (cf. <a href="/acts/17-6.htm">Acts 17:6, 7</a>; <a href="/acts/21-37.htm">Acts 21:37</a>). It was, therefore, peculiarly needful that the Christian communities should be cautioned to disprove such accusations by showing themselves in all respects good, law-abiding subjects. They might easily be under a temptation to be otherwise. Feeling themselves already subjects of Christ's new kingdom, and regarding the second advent as probably near at hand, they might seem to themselves above the powers and institutions of the unbelieving world, which were so soon to pass away. St. Paul himself condemned resort to heathen tribunals in matters which Christians might settle among themselves (<a href="/1_corinthians/6-1.htm">1 Corinthians 6:1</a>, etc.); and many might go so far as to ignore the authority of such tribunals over the saints at all. Peter and John had at the first defied the authority even of the Sanhedrin in matters touching conscience (<a href="/acts/4-19.htm">Acts 4:19</a>); and many might be slow to distinguish between temporal and spiritual spheres of jurisdiction. St. Paul, therefore, lays down the rule that the civil government, in whatsoever hands it might be, was, no less than the Church, a Divine institution for the maintenance of order in the world, to be submitted to and obeyed by Christians within the whole sphere of its legitimate authority. He does not refer to cases in which it might become necessary to obey God rather than man: his purpose here does not call on him to do so; nor were the circumstances so far such as to bring such cases into prominence; for he was writing in the earlier part of Nero's reign, before any general persecution of Christians had begun. Nor does he touch on the question whether it may be right in some cases for subjects to resist usurped power or tyranny, or to take part in political revolutions, and even fight for freedom. Such a question was apart from his subject, which is the general duty of obedience to the law and government under which we are placed by Providence. This is the only passage in which he treats the subject at length and definitely. In a doctrinal and practical treatise like this Epistle, addressed as an apologia pro fide sua to the metropolis of the world and the seat of government, it was fitting that he should express clearly the attitude of the Church with regard to the civil order. But his teaching in other Epistles is in accordance with this; as where (<a href="/1_corinthians/7-21.htm">1 Corinthians 7:21</a>) he bids slaves acquiesce in the existing law of slavery, and (<a href="/1_timothy/2-1.htm">1 Timothy 2:1</a>, etc.) he desires especially prayers to be made in behalf of kings and rulers. And he himself notably carried out his principles in this regard (cf. <a href="/acts/23-5.htm">Acts 23:5</a>; <a href="/acts/25-8.htm">Acts 25:8-11</a>). There is a closely similar passage in the First Epistle of St. Peter (<a href="/1_peter/2-12.htm">1 Peter 2:12-18</a>). Verse 1. - Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of (rather, from) God: the powers that be are ordained of God. It is of God's ordering that there should be human governments and human laws. Without them there could be no order, security, or progress among mankind. Imperfect as they may often be, and in some instances oppressive and unjust, still they exist for a purpose of good, and form part of the Divine order for the government of the world. In this sense all are from God, and ordained of God; and in submitting to them we are submitting to God. <a href="/commentaries/romans/13-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Everyone Πᾶσα (Pasa) Adjective - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole. must submit himself ὑποτασσέσθω (hypotassesthō) Verb - Present Imperative Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5293.htm">Strong's 5293: </a> From hupo and tasso; to subordinate; reflexively, to obey. to the governing authorities, ἐξουσίαις (exousiais) Noun - Dative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1849.htm">Strong's 1849: </a> From exesti; privilege, i.e. force, capacity, competency, freedom, or mastery, delegated influence. for γὰρ (gar) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1063.htm">Strong's 1063: </a> For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason. there is ἔστιν (estin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. no οὐ (ou) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not. authority ἐξουσία (exousia) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1849.htm">Strong's 1849: </a> From exesti; privilege, i.e. force, capacity, competency, freedom, or mastery, delegated influence. except εἰ (ei) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1487.htm">Strong's 1487: </a> If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc. [that which is from] ὑπὸ (hypo) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_5259.htm">Strong's 5259: </a> A primary preposition; under, i.e. of place, or with verbs; of place (underneath) or where (below) or time (when). God. Θεοῦ (Theou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. [The authorities] that αἱ (hai) Article - Nominative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. exist οὖσαι (ousai) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. have been appointed τεταγμέναι (tetagmenai) Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5021.htm">Strong's 5021: </a> A prolonged form of a primary verb; to arrange in an orderly manner, i.e. Assign or dispose. by ὑπὸ (hypo) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_5259.htm">Strong's 5259: </a> A primary preposition; under, i.e. of place, or with verbs; of place (underneath) or where (below) or time (when). God. Θεοῦ (Theou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/romans/13-1.htm">Romans 13:1 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/romans/13-1.htm">Romans 13:1 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/romans/13-1.htm">Romans 13:1 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/romans/13-1.htm">Romans 13:1 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/romans/13-1.htm">Romans 13:1 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/romans/13-1.htm">Romans 13:1 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/romans/13-1.htm">Romans 13:1 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/romans/13-1.htm">Romans 13:1 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/romans/13-1.htm">Romans 13:1 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/romans/13-1.htm">Romans 13:1 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/romans/13-1.htm">NT Letters: Romans 13:1 Let every soul be in subjection (Rom. Ro) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/romans/12-21.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Romans 12:21"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Romans 12:21" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/romans/13-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Romans 13:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Romans 13:2" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>