Romans 13:2
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Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
Whosoever therefore resisteth the power--"So that he that setteth himself against the authority." resisteth the ordinance of God; and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation--or, "condemnation," according to the old sense of that word; that is, not from the magistrate, but from God, whose authority in the magistrate's is resisted.
Open source ↗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 (Rom 13:1-6). II. A lesson of justice and love to our brethren (Rom 13:7-10). III. A lesson of sobriety and godliness in ourselves (Rom 13:11 to the end).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to the king as the supreme authority,
Remind the believers to submit to rulers and authorities, to be obedient and ready for every good work,
Therefore it is necessary to submit to authority, not only to avoid punishment, but also as a matter of conscience.
Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.
They defraud widows of their houses, and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will receive greater condemnation.”
They defraud widows of their houses, and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will receive greater condemnation.”
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let in those who wish to enter.
For day after day they seek Me and delight to know My ways, like a nation that does what is right and does not forsake the justice of their God. They ask Me for righteous judgments; they delight in the nearness of God.”