Albert Barnes Commentary Romans 13:2

"Therefore he that resisteth the power, withstandeth the ordinance of God: and they that withstand shall receive to themselves judgment." — Romans 13:2 (ASV)

Whosoever therefore resisteth, etc. That is, those who rise up against government itself; who seek anarchy and confusion; and who oppose the regular execution of the laws. It is implied, however, that those laws shall not be such as to violate the rights of conscience or oppose the laws of God.

Resisteth the ordinance of God. That is, what God has ordained, or appointed. This means, clearly, that we are to regard government as instituted by God and as agreeable to his will. When established, we are not to be agitated about the titles of the rulers; not to enter into angry contentions, or to refuse to submit to them because we are apprehensive of a defect in their title, or because they may have obtained it by oppression. If the government is established, and if its decisions are not a manifest violation of the laws of God, we are to submit to them.

Shall receive to themselves damnation. The word "damnation" we now apply exclusively to the punishment of hell, to future torments. But this is not necessarily the meaning of the word used here (krima). It often simply denotes punishment (Romans 3:8; 1 Corinthians 11:29; Galatians 5:10).

In this place, the word implies guilt or criminality in resisting the ordinance of God and affirms that the man who does it shall be punished. Whether the apostle means that he shall be punished by God or by the magistrate is not quite clear. Probably the latter, however, is intended . It is also true that such resistance shall be attended with the displeasure of God and punished by him.