1.
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.
Verse 1
Subject; obedient and submissive.--The higher powers; those of the civil government.
2.
Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
Verse 2
Damnation; condemnation and just punishment.
3.
For rulers are 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 he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
Verse 4
The minister of God; the servant, or instrument, employed by God. The duty of submission to the civil government, here urged in an absolute manner, is, of course, like all the other precepts of a similar character contained in the New Testament, to be understood with certain limitations and restrictions. The principal exceptions commonly made to the rule here laid down in general terms, are two:--first, that the civil authorities may be resisted when they require of the subject what is morally wrong; and, secondly, that, when their misgovernment and oppression become extreme and hopeless of reform, the community may depose them from their power. These cases are evidently not included in the view of the subject taken in this passage, as these directions plainly refer to the ordinary routine of civil government, in preserving order in the community, and administering law. The Jews were very prone to turbulence and sedition against the Roman government.
5.
Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
Verse 5
For wrath; for fear of wrath, that is, of punishment.
6.
For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.
7.
Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
Verse 7
Custom; a species of tax.
8.
Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.
9.
For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
10.
Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.
11.
And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.
Verse 11
Than when we believed; when we first believed.
12.
The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.
13.
Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.
14.
But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
Verse 14
Put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ; assume the spirit and character of the Lord Jesus Christ.