Romans 13:5

We must obey therefore, not only in order to escape punishment, but also for conscience' sake.

Weymouth NT (1912)

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 benefit. But if you do what is wrong, be afraid. He does not wear the sword to no purpose: he is God's servant--an administrator to inflict punishment upon evil-doers.

6Why, this is really the reason you pay taxes; for tax-gatherers are ministers of God, devoting their energies to this very work.

Read all of Romans 13

Cross References

Titus 3:1Remind people that they must submit to the rulers who are in authority over them; that they must obey the magistrates, be prepared for every right action,

1 Peter 2:13Submit, for the Lord's sake, to every authority set up by man, whether it be to the Emperor as supreme ruler,

1 Peter 3:16Yet argue modestly and cautiously, keeping your consciences free from guilt, so that, when you are spoken against, those who slander your good Christian lives may be put to shame.

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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