Romans 13:1-2
What is written? (ESV)
Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.
What does it say?
Let every person [Christian] be subject to the governing authorities [Rome]. All authority is God’s, and any governing authority exists by Him. Therefore, resisting them is the same as resisting God. Those that resist will incur judgment [from God].
What is its immediate context?
Paul is offering encouragement to the Christians in Rome. He has given some specific, practical instructions for daily life in the previous chapter and continues the same them in this chapter (vs 8). However, the first seven verses instruct on their attitude about the Roman government and that they are to submit to it and pay the taxes they owe (vss 6-7).
How Romans 13:1-2 is applied across Bible answers
Is God active among nations today?
God has instituted all governing bodies, and by extension of His ultimate authority, has granted them authority to which each governed person is to submit.
