Romans 13:1

Let every soul be subject to the higher authorities. For there is no authority except that which is from God; and the existing authorities have been ordained of God.

1902 William Baxter Godbey 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

2So the one resisting the authority, antagonizes the ordinance of God: and those antagonizing shall receive to themselves judgment.

Read all of Romans 13

Cross References

John 19:11Jesus responded, Thou hast no power against me, unless it was given to thee from above: on this account the one having betrayed me to thee has 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