Romans 13
1 St. Paul, writing to the Romans, whose city was the seat of the empire,
speaks largely of obedience to magistrates: and this was also, in effect,
a public apology for the Christian religion. Let every soul be subject
to the supreme powers - An admonition peculiarly needful for the Jews.
Power, in the singular number, is the supreme authority; powers are they
who are invested with it. That is more readily acknowledged to be from
God than these. The apostle affirms it of both. They are all from God,
who constituted all in general, and permits each in particular by his providence.
The powers that be are appointed by God - It might be rendered, are subordinate
to, or, orderly disposed under, God; implying, that they are God's deputies
or vicegerents and consequently, their authority being, in effect, his,
demands our conscientious obedience.
2 Whosoever resisteth the power - In any other manner than the laws
of the community direct. Shall receive condemnation - Not only from the
magistrate, but from God also.
3 For rulers are - In the general, notwithstanding some particular exceptions.
A terror to evil works - Only. Wouldest thou then not be afraid - There
is one fear which precedes evil actions, and deters from them: this should
always remain. There is another fear which follows evil actions: they who
do well are free from this.
4 The sword - The instrument of capital punishment, which God authorizes
him to inflict.
5 Not only for fear of wrath - That is, punishment from man. But for
conscience' sake - Out of obedience to God.
6 For this cause - Because they are the ministers (officers) of God
for the public good. This very thing - The public good.
7 To all - Magistrates. Tribute - Taxes on your persons or estates.
Custom - For goods exported or imported. Fear - Obedience. Honour - Reverence.
All these are due to the supreme power.
8. From our duty to magistrates he passes on to general duties. To love one another - An eternal debt, which can never be sufficiently discharged; but yet if this be rightly performed, it discharges all the rest. For he that loveth another - As he ought. Hath fulfilled the whole law - Toward his neighbour.
9. If there be any other - More particular. Commandment - Toward our neighbour; as there are many in the law. It is summed up in this - So that if you were not thinking of it, yet if your heart was full of love, you would fulfil it.
10. Therefore love is the fulfilling of the law - For the same love which restrains from all evil, incites us to all good.
