Romans 13:1

Let everyone obey the supreme authorities. For no authority exists except by the will of God, and the existing authorities have been appointed by God.

Open English Bible (UK)

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

2Therefore the one who sets themself against the authorities is resisting God’s appointment, and those who resist will bring a judgment on themselves.

Read all of Romans 13

Cross References

John 19:11‘You would have no power over me at all,’ answered Jesus, ‘if it had not been given you from above; and, therefore, the man who betrayed me to you is guilty of the 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