Keraia
Romans 13

Romans 13:2

Submission to Authorities · Romans 13:1–7
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Translations

Modern
Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.
Traditional
Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
Literal
Therefore the one setting himself against the authority has resisted the ordinance of God, and those having resisted will receive judgment to themselves.
Latin
Itaque qui resistit potestati, Dei ordinationi resistit. Qui autem resistunt, ipsi sibi damnationem acquirunt:

Interlinear

Greek
English
Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.

Notes

Romans 13:1–2

  • The main command in 13:1–7 is to submit to governing authorities. In God’s ordering of the world, people are accountable to those who hold positions of authority. This submission usually takes the form of obedience.

    However, God stands above all governments. For this reason, submission to governing authorities is always shaped by our ultimate obedience to God (see Acts 4:19–20).

    Some Christians in Rome may have been resisting the government. They may have misunderstood the good news, thinking that no longer copying the values of this world (12:2) meant they could ignore earthly authorities (see study note on Rom 13:6).

  • God has set in place: Scripture consistently teaches that God is active in raising up and bringing down human leaders and governments (1 Samuel 2:6–10; 12:8; Proverbs 8:15–16; Isaiah 41:2–4; 45:1–7; Jeremiah 21:7, 10; 27:5–6; Daniel 2:21, 37–38; 4:17).

    Because God has ordered human society through governing authorities, rejecting their role entirely is a rejection of God’s ordering of the world. At the same time, obedience to rulers is never absolute. When rulers demand what conflicts with obedience to God, faithfulness to God must come first (Acts 4:19–20; Romans 13:2).

Romans 12:1–15:13

This section of Romans explains the moral and ethical demands of the gospel. God’s gift of salvation in Christ calls for a response from believers.

God not only forgives sin. He also wants to transform how people live.

Much of what Paul teaches here about the moral duties of believers also appears in his other letters. However, Paul also addresses issues that were especially important for the church in Rome. One key issue was the disagreement between people who were weak in faith and people who were strong in faith(14:1–15:13).

Theme notes and profiles

Nero Paul (Saul) Roman Emperors The Lord of Nations

Parallels

1 Peter 2:13–20

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Biblical Concept of Law Book of Ecclesiastes Judgment Letter to the Romans Obedience Punishment Timothy, First Letter to Titus, Letter to

Topics

Christian Conduct: Submitting to Authorities Citizens: Duties of Coping Courts of Justice: Have Authority from God Governing Government: Duty of Citizens To Kings: Punishment for Resisting the Lawful Authority of Kings: Resistance To, is Resistance to the Ordinance of God Obeying Authority Ordinance: A Decree Paying Taxes Rulers: Character and Qualifications of Submission to Authority Taxes The Laws of the Land