Romans 13:2

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

Open English Bible (US)

In The King James Version

Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

In Context

1Let everyone obey the supreme authorities. For no authority exists except by the will of God, and the existing authorities have been appointed by God.

3A good action has nothing to fear from rulers; a bad action has. Do you want to have no reason to fear the authorities? Then do what is good, and you will win their praise.

Read all of Romans 13

Cross References

Matthew 23:13But alas for you, teachers of the Law and Pharisees, hypocrites that you are! You turn the key of the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces. For you do not go in yourselves, and do not allow those who try to go in to do so.

Luke 20:47These are the men who rob widows of their houses, and make a pretense of saying long prayers. Their sentence will be all the heavier.”

Titus 3:1Remind them to respect and obey the rulers and authorities, to be ready for every kind of good work, to slander no one, to avoid quarreling,

1 Peter 2:13Submit to all human institutions for the Lord’s sake, alike to the emperor as the supreme authority,

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 →

This Verse In Other Editions

Study Romans 13:2