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Let every soul be in subjection to the higher authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those who be are ordained by God.
Verse Takeaways
1
Government is God's Idea
Commentators stress that the primary reason for submitting to authorities is that the very institution of government is established by God. Paul isn't endorsing a specific ruler or political system, but the principle of ordered society. To resist the governing authorities is to resist the structure God has put in place for human flourishing and to prevent chaos. This applies even to flawed or pagan governments, as they exist by God's sovereign permission.
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Romans
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8
18th Century
Presbyterian
Let every soul. Every person. In the first seven verses of this chapter, the apostle discusses the subject of the duty that Christians owe…
Every soul (πασα ψυχη). As in 2:9; Acts 2:43. A Hebraism for πας ανθρωπος (every man).
To the higher pow…
19th Century
Anglican
Every soul.—A Hebraism for “every person,” though at the same time here, as in Romans 2:9, there is a slight stress upon the fact …
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The teaching in this section is addressed to “everyone,” i.e., every believer. What Paul requires is to “submit” (GK 5718) to those who ruled from …
16th Century
Protestant
Let every soul, etc. Since he handles this subject so carefully in connection with what constitutes the Christian life, it appear…
17th Century
Reformed Baptist
Let every soul be subject to the higher powers The apostle having finished his exhortations to this church, in relat…
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The grace of the gospel teaches us submission and quiet, where pride and the carnal mind only see causes for murmuring and discontent. Whatever the…
13th Century
Catholic
After showing how a person should behave toward God by using the gifts of His grace, the Apostle now shows how a person should conduct hi…