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Selected Verse: Romans 13:5 - King James
| Verse |
Translation |
Text |
| Ro 13:5 |
King James |
Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. |
Summary Of Commentaries Associated With The Selected Verse
| A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882] |
Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath--for fear of the magistrate's vengeance.
but also for conscience' sake--from reverence for God's authority. It is of Magistracy in general, considered as a divine ordinance, that this is spoken: and the statement applies equally to all forms of government, from an unchecked despotism--such as flourished when this was written, under the Emperor Nero--to a pure democracy. The inalienable right of all subjects to endeavor to alter or improve the form of government under which they live is left untouched here. But since Christians were constantly charged with turning the world upside down, and since there certainly were elements enough in Christianity of moral and social revolution to give plausibility to the charge, and tempt noble spirits, crushed under misgovernment, to take redress into their own hands, it was of special importance that the pacific, submissive, loyal spirit of those Christians who resided at the great seat of political power, should furnish a visible refutation of this charge. |
| Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834] |
Wherefore - διό dio. The "reasons" why we should be subject, which the apostle had given, were two,
(1) That government was appointed by God.
(2) that violation of the laws would necessarily expose to punishment.
Ye must needs be - It is "necessary" ἀναγκή anagkē to be. This is a word stronger than what implies mere "fitness" or propriety. It means that it is a matter of high obligation and of "necessity" to be subject to the civil ruler.
Not only for wrath - Not only on account of the "fear of punishment;" or the fact that wrath will be executed on evil doers.
For conscience' sake - As a matter of conscience, or of "duty to God," because "he" has appointed it, and made it necessary and proper. A good citizen yields obedience because it is the will of God; and a Christian makes it a part of his religion to maintain and obey the just laws of the land; see Mat 22:21; compare Ecc 8:2, "I counsel them to keep the king's commandments, and "that in regard of the oath of God." |
| Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible, by John Wesley [1754-65] |
| Not only for fear of wrath - That is, punishment from man. But for conscience' sake - Out of obedience to God. |
| Adam Clarke Commentary on the Whole Bible - Published 1810-1826 |
Ye must needs be subject - Αναγκη, There is a necessity that ye should be subject, not only for wrath, δια την οργην, on account of the punishment which will be inflicted on evil doers, but also for conscience' sake; not only to avoid punishment, but also to preserve a clear conscience. For, as civil government is established in the order of God for the support, defense, and happiness of society, they who transgress its laws, not only expose themselves to the penalties assigned by the statutes, but also to guilt in their own consciences, because they sin against God. Here are two powerful motives to prevent the infraction of the laws and to enforce obedience.
1. The dread of punishment; this weighs with the ungodly.
2. The keeping of a good conscience, which weighs powerfully with every person who fears God. These two motives should be frequently urged both among professors and profane. |
2 I counsel thee to keep the king's commandment, and that in regard of the oath of God.
21 They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's.