Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Romans 13:5

"Wherefore [ye] must needs be in subjection, not only because of the wrath, but also for conscience` sake." — Romans 13:5 (ASV)

In bringing this portion of the discussion to a close, Paul advances two reasons why Christians must submit to the state. One is the threat of punishment if one does not put oneself in subjection. Paul appeals here to personal advantage, to the instinct of self-preservation. To defy the state could mean death. The other reason is “conscience” (GK 5287), which is more difficult to determine. Most likely this word denotes a personal awareness that the ultimate foundation of all of life is God. In other words, Christians, by virtue of divine revelation, can have a clearer understanding of the position of the governing authority than an official of the government is likely to have (cf. 1 Peter 2:19). Let that knowledge guide them in their attitudes and decisions.