Romans 13:5

Therefore it is necessary to submit to authority, not only to avoid punishment, but also as a matter of conscience.

Majority Standard Bible

In The King James Version

Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.

In Context

4For he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not carry the sword in vain. He is God’s servant, an agent of retribution to the wrongdoer.

6This is also why you pay taxes. For the authorities are God’s servants, who devote themselves to their work.

Read all of Romans 13

Cross References

Ecclesiastes 8:2Keep the king’s command, I say, because of your oath before God.

Titus 3:1Remind the believers to submit to rulers and authorities, to be obedient and ready for every good work,

1 Peter 2:13Therefore submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to the king as the supreme authority,

1 Peter 3:16keeping a clear conscience, so that those who slander you as evildoers may be put to shame by your good behavior in Christ.

Matthew Henry on Romans 13:2-7

Obedience to Magistrates Enforced. ( a. d. 58.) 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. 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… Read the whole commentary →

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