Robertson Word Pictures - Romans 13:1 - 13:1

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Robertson Word Pictures - Romans 13:1 - 13:1


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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:

Every soul (pāsa psuchē). As in Rom 2:9; Act 2:43. A Hebraism for pās anthrōpos (every man).

To the higher powers (exousiais huperechousais). Abstract for concrete. See note on Mar 2:10 for exousia. Huperechō is an old verb to have or hold over, to be above or supreme, as in 1Pe 2:13.

Except by God (ei mē hupo theou). So the best MSS. rather than apo theou (from God). God is the author of order, not anarchy.

The powers that be (hai ousai). “The existing authorities” (supply exousiai). Art ordained (tetagmenai eisin). Periphrastic perfect passive indicative of tassō, “stand ordained by God.” Paul is not arguing for the divine right of kings or for any special form of government, but for government and order. Nor does he oppose here revolution for a change of government, but he does oppose all lawlessness and disorder.