John Calvin Commentary Romans 13:1

"Let every soul be in subjection to the higher powers: for there is no power but of God; and the [powers] that be are ordained of God." — Romans 13:1 (ASV)

Let every soul, etc. Since he handles this subject so carefully in connection with what constitutes the Christian life, it appears that he was compelled to do so by some great necessity that existed especially in that age, although the preaching of the gospel always makes this necessary.

There are indeed always some tumultuous spirits who believe that the kingdom of Christ cannot be sufficiently elevated unless all earthly powers are abolished, and that they cannot enjoy the liberty given by Him unless they shake off every yoke of human subjection. This error, however, particularly influenced the minds of the Jews; for it seemed disgraceful to them that the descendants of Abraham, whose kingdom flourished before the Redeemer’s coming, should now, after His appearance, continue in submission to another power.

There was also another thing that alienated both Jews and Gentiles from their rulers, because these rulers not only all hated piety but also persecuted religion with the most hostile feelings. Therefore, it seemed unreasonable to acknowledge them as legitimate princes and rulers, who were attempting to take the kingdom away from Christ, the only Lord of heaven and earth.

For these reasons, it is probable that Paul was prompted to establish the authority of magistrates with greater care than usual. He proceeds as follows:

1. First, he lays down a general precept, which briefly includes what he says later.
2. Second, he adds an explanation and a proof of his precept.

He calls them the higher powers, not the supreme, who possess the chief authority, but such as excel other people. Magistrates are therefore called this in relation to their subjects, and not as compared with each other. And it truly seems to me that the Apostle, by this word, intended to remove the frivolous curiosity of people, who are often accustomed to inquiring by what right those who rule have obtained their authority. But it should be enough for us that they do rule; for they have not risen to this high position by their own power but have been placed there by the Lord’s hand. And by mentioning every soul, he removes every exception, so that no one might claim an exemption from the common duty of obedience.

For there is no power, etc. The reason we should be subject to magistrates is because they are established by God’s ordinance. For since it pleases God to govern the world in this way, whoever attempts to overturn God’s order, and thus to resist God Himself, despises His power; since to despise the providence of Him who is the founder of civil power is to wage war against Him.

Understand further that powers are from God—not in the same way that pestilence, famine, wars, and other visitations for sin are said to be from Him, but because He has appointed them for the legitimate and just government of the world. For although tyrannies and the unjust exercise of power, being full of disorder (ἀταξίας), are not an ordained government, yet the right of government itself is ordained by God for the well-being of humankind.

Just as it is lawful to repel wars and to seek remedies for other evils, so the Apostle commands us willingly and cheerfully to respect and honor the right and authority of magistrates, as beneficial to people. For the punishments God inflicts on people for their sins, we cannot properly call ordinances; rather, they are the means He intentionally appoints for the preservation of legitimate order.