Romans 13:1

Let every person submit to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except by God, and the authorities that exist are established by God.

English Majority Text (NT)

In The King James Version

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.

In Context

2Consequently the one resisting the authority has opposed the ordinance of God, and those opposing shall receive judgment to themselves.

Read all of Romans 13

Cross References

John 19:11Jesus answered, “You would have no authority at all against Me unless it had been given to you from above. Therefore the one who betrayed Me to you has a greater sin.”

Matthew Henry on Romans 13:1

There are three good lessons taught us in this chapter, where the apostle enlarges more upon his precepts than he had done in the foregoing chapter, finding them more needful to be fully pressed. I. A lesson of subjection to lawful authority, ver. 1-6 . II. A lesson of justice and love to our brethren, ver. 7-10 . III. A lesson of sobriety and godliness in ourselves, ver. 11 to the end . Read the whole commentary →

This Verse In Other Editions

Study Romans 13:1