Romans 13:1-7

Romans 13:1-7

[1] Let every  soul  be subject  unto the higher  powers.  For  no  power  God:  the powers  ordained  of  God.  [2] Whosoever therefore  resisteth  the power,  resisteth  the ordinance  of God:  and  they that resist  shall receive  to themselves  damnation.  [3] For  rulers  not  a terror  to good  works,  but  to the evil.  Wilt thou  then  not  be afraid  of the power?  do  that which is good,  and  thou shalt have  praise  of  the same:  [4] For  the minister  of God  for  good.  But  if  thou do  that which is evil,  be afraid;  for  he beareth  not  the sword  in vain:  for  the minister  of God,  a revenger  to execute wrath  upon  him that doeth  evil.  [5] Wherefore  ye must needs  be subject,  not  only  for  wrath,  but  also  for conscience  sake.  [6] For  cause  pay ye  tribute  also:  for  God's  ministers,  attending continually  upon  very thing.  [7] Render  to all  their dues:  tribute  to whom  tribute  is due; custom  to whom  custom;  fear  to whom  fear;  honour  to whom  honour. 

What does Romans 13:1-7 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

Paul passed from a loosely connected series of exhortations in Romans 12:9-21 to a well-organized argument about a single subject in Romans 13:1-7 (cf. Matthew 22:15-22; Mark 12:13-17; Luke 20:20-26; 1 Peter 2:13-14).
"Forbidding the Christian from taking vengeance and allowing God to exercise this right in the last judgment [1] might lead one to think that God was letting evildoers have their way in this world. Not Song of Solomon , says Paul in Romans 13:1-7 : for God, through governing authorities, is even now inflicting wrath on evildoers ( Romans 13:3-4)." [2]