John Calvin 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)

And those who resist, etc. Since no one can resist God except to their own ruin, he threatens, that those who in this respect oppose the providence of God will not go unpunished. Let us then beware, so that we do not incur this denunciation.

And by judgment, I understand not only the punishment that is inflicted by the magistrate, as if he had only said, that those who resisted authority would be justly punished; but also the vengeance of God, however it may eventually be executed. For he teaches us in general what end awaits those who contend with God.