Romans 13:2

Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

Whosoever therefore {G5620} resisteth {G498} the power {G1849}, resisteth {G436} the ordinance {G1296} of God {G2316}: and {G1161} they that resist {G436} shall receive {G2983} to themselves {G1438} damnation {G2917}.

Therefore, whoever resists the authorities is resisting what God has instituted; and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.

Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.

Therefore he that resisteth the power, withstandeth the ordinance of God: and they that withstand shall receive to themselves judgment.

Commentary on Romans 13:2 (KJV)

Romans 13:2 continues Paul's crucial teaching on a Christian's relationship to governing authorities, building directly on the preceding verse. This verse emphasizes the divine origin of governmental authority and the consequences of resisting it.

Context

This passage (Romans 13:1-7) is a foundational text concerning Christian civic duty. Written by the Apostle Paul during the reign of Emperor Nero, a time when Christians were a minority in the Roman Empire and sometimes viewed with suspicion, it addresses the practicalities of living a godly life within a pagan society. Following the ethical exhortations of Romans 12, Paul transitions to how believers should interact with the established civil order, promoting peace and avoiding unnecessary conflict.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Establishment of Authority: The core message is that all governing authority ultimately derives its power from God. To resist the "power" (civil government) is therefore to resist what God Himself has "ordained" or arranged. This echoes the sentiment that God sets up and removes kings.
  • Consequences of Resistance: The verse states that those who resist "shall receive to themselves damnation." This refers to judgment or condemnation, primarily from the governing authorities in the form of penalties (fines, imprisonment, etc.) for breaking civil laws, but also implicitly from God, whose ordinance has been defied. It underscores the seriousness of rebellion against established order.
  • Order and Peace: By advocating submission, Paul promotes a society of order, peace, and stability, which allows the gospel to flourish without unnecessary hindrance from civil authorities.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Power" (KJV): The Greek word used here is exousia (ἐξουσία), which signifies not just raw strength, but legitimate authority, jurisdiction, or the right to govern. It implies that the authority held by rulers is a delegated authority.
  • "Ordinance" (KJV): The Greek term is diatage (διαταγή), meaning an arrangement, an appointment, or an ordinance. It conveys the idea that God has purposefully ordered or arranged for civil governments to exist as part of His plan for human society.
  • "Resisteth" (KJV): The word antitassomai (ἀντιτάσσομαι) means to set oneself against, to oppose, or to revolt. It suggests a deliberate act of defiance against the established order.
  • "Damnation" (KJV): The Greek word is krima (κρίμα), which means judgment, condemnation, or a sentence. In this context, it refers to the negative consequences or punishment that results from defying authority, whether from the state or ultimately from God. It's not necessarily eternal damnation but a temporal judgment or penalty.

Practical Application

This verse calls believers to be good citizens who respect and obey the laws of the land, understanding that governing authorities are God-ordained for maintaining order and punishing wrongdoing. While Christian obedience to human laws is not absolute (as seen when God's commands conflict with human commands), the general principle is one of submission. This teaching encourages Christians to live peaceably, pay taxes, and honor those in authority, as further elaborated in 1 Peter 2:13-17 and Titus 3:1. It reminds us that our civic responsibilities are part of our broader obedience to God.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 1 Peter 2:13

    ¶ Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;

  • Titus 3:1

    ¶ Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,

  • James 3:1

    ¶ My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.

  • Romans 13:5

    Wherefore [ye] must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.

  • Mark 12:40

    Which devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation.

  • Jeremiah 23:8

    But, The LORD liveth, which brought up and which led the seed of the house of Israel out of the north country, and from all countries whither I had driven them; and they shall dwell in their own land.

  • Jeremiah 23:17

    They say still unto them that despise me, The LORD hath said, Ye shall have peace; and they say unto every one that walketh after the imagination of his own heart, No evil shall come upon you.

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