Romans 13:1-7 Let every soul be subject to the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.… I. EVERY SOUL, or man (Exodus 12:4; Genesis 46:27). 1. Secular person. 2. Ecclesiastical or religious. II. THE OBJECT. "The higher powers," or chief magistrates established in each nation. 1. To see that God be rightly worshipped (2 Chronicles 14:2, 4; 2 Chronicles 17:6, 9). 2. To preserve peace (1 Timothy 2:2; Psalm 72:7). 3. To execute justice (Psalm 72:2; Romans 13:4). III. THE ACT. "Be subject." We owe them — 1. Prayers (1 Timothy 2:1). 2. Fear (Proverbs 24:21; 1 Peter 2:17). 3. Not to speak evil of him (Ecclesiastes 10:20; 2 Peter 2:10; Jude 1:8). 4. Dues (ver. 7). 5. Subjection and obedience (Titus 3:1). (1) Otherwise the magistrates' power is in vain. (2) The public good depends upon our obedience. (3) We are bound to obey for fear (Romans 13:2, 5). (4) For the Lord's sake (Romans 13:5). (5) He that resisteth, resisteth the ordinance of God. IV. THE REASON OF THE COMMAND. "All power is of God." This appears — 1. From Scripture. (1) Every power is ordained of God (vers. 1-2). (2) The magistrate is the minister of God, Λειτουργὸν (ver. 4). (3) By God kings reign (Proverbs 7:15, 16). (4) They judge under Him (2 Chronicles 19:5, 6, 7). (5) He sets up kings (Daniel 2:21, 37; Daniel 5:21). (6) God first ordained the power of the sword in the hand of men (Genesis 9:6). (7) God gave particular direction for choosing most of the kings of Israel; as Saul, David, Jehu: and so now. 2. From reason. (1) He is the first cause of all things (John 19:11). (2) All power depends on Him (Acts 17:28). (3) As the stream from the fountain. 3. All power in men is God's power in their hands (2 Chronicles 19:6). 4. Power is good and necessary: therefore from God (James 1:17). 5. It is part of the law of nature (Romans 2:14, 15). (Bp. Beveridge.) Parallel Verses KJV: Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. |
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