A.T. Robertson Commentary Romans 13

Every soul (πασα ψυχη). As in 2:9; Acts 2:43. A Hebraism for πας ανθρωπος (every man).

To the higher powers (εξουσιαις υπερεχουσαις). Abstract for concrete. See Mr 2:10 for εξουσια. Hυπερεχω is an old verb to have or hold over, to be above or supreme, as in 1 Peter 2:13.

Except by God (ε μη υπο θεου). So the best MSS. rather than απο θεου (from God). God is the author of order, not anarchy.

The powers that be (α ουσα). "The existing authorities" (supply εξουσια). Art ordained (τεταγμενα εισιν). Periphrastic perfect passive indicative of τασσω, "stand ordained by God." Paul is not arguing for the divine right of kings or for any special form of government, but for government and order. Nor does he oppose here revolution for a change of government, but he does oppose all lawlessness and disorder.

He that resisteth (ο αντιτασσομενος). Present middle articular participle of αντιτασσω, old verb to range in battle against as in Ac 18:6, "he that lines himself up against."

Withstandeth (ανθεστηκεν). Perfect active indicative of ανθιστημ and intransitive, "has taken his stand against."

The ordinance of God (τη του θεου διαταγη). Late word, but common in papyri (Deissmann, Light, etc., p. 89), in N.T. only here and Ac 7:53. Note repetition of root of τασσω.

To themselves (εαυτοις). Dative of disadvantage. See Mr 12:40 for "shall receive a judgment" (κρινα λημψοντα). Future middle of λαμβανω.

A terror (φοβος). This meaning in Isa 8:13. Paul does not approve all that rulers do, but he is speaking generally of the ideal before rulers. Nero was Emperor at this time.

From the same (εξ αυτης). "From it" (εξουσια, personified in verse 4).

A minister of God (θεου διακονος). General sense of διακονος. Of course even Nero was God's minister "to thee (σο ethical dative) for good (εις το αγαθον, for the good)." That is the ideal, the goal.

Beareth (φορε). Present active indicative of φορεω, old frequentative form of φερω, to bear, to wear.

But if thou do (εαν δε ποιηις). Condition of third class, εαν and present active subjunctive of ποιεω, "if thou continue to do."

Sword (μαχαιραν). Symbol of authority as to-day policemen carry clubs or pistols. "The Emperor Trajan presented to a provincial governor on starting for his province, a dagger, with the words, 'For me. If I deserve it, in me'" (Vincent).

An avenger (εκδικος). Old adjective from εκ and δικη (right), "outside of penalty," unjust, then in later Greek "exacting penalty from one," in N.T. only here and 1 Thessalonians 4:6.

Ye must needs (αναγκη). "There is necessity," both because of the law and because of conscience, because it is right (2:15; 9:1).