The verse emphasizes that all governing authorities, even imperfect or unjust ones, exist because God has ordained them. This means submitting to governing authorities isn't just about acknowledging human structures, but about recognizing God's sovereign hand at work in the world through them.
Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.
English Standard Version (ESV)
As Paul moves from encouraging selfless love to addressing practical Christian living, he shifts to discussing believers' relationship with governing authorities. This was a particularly sensitive topic for Roman Christians, many of whom were Jewish and chafed under Roman rule, and it was crucial to clarify that their faith didn't exempt them from civic responsibilities, even under a pagan empire. Paul establishes that all governing authority is ultimately from God and those in power have been placed there by Him.
Ever wondered why we should obey governing authorities, even when they seem imperfect? Paul gives us a profound reason right at the start of this chapter.
Paul states unequivocally that all governing authority originates from God. This isn't just a suggestion; it's presented as a foundational truth. The phrase 'instituted by God' (or 'ordained by God') suggests that God actively establishes and orders these authorities. This means that when we respect and submit to governing powers, we are, in principle, acknowledging God's sovereign rule over all things, including human society.
If authorities are from God, what are they for? Paul doesn't leave us guessing; he reveals the divine intention behind civil rule.
While the verse itself focuses on the source of authority, the broader context in Romans 13 (especially verses 3-4) clarifies the purpose. Governing authorities are God's 'servants' or 'ministers' for our good. They are established to uphold justice, restrain evil, and promote peace. When they function as intended, they are a 'terror to the wrongdoer and a benefit to the good.' Understanding this divine purpose helps us see the positive role of government in God's plan for human society.
Understand the original words
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hypotassesthai · Greek Verb
To yield, rank under, or be subordinate to another in a position of authority or status. It implies an attitude of cooperation and obedience within a structured order.
exousiais · Greek Noun
A legitimate right to exercise control, power, or influence. In a biblical context, all true authority is delegated by God to maintain order and justice in the created world.
tetagmenai · Greek Verb/Participle
To be placed, arranged, or ordained in a specific order or position. It signifies God’s sovereign orchestration of structures, offices, or roles.
antitassomenos · Greek Verb
To set oneself against or take a hostile stand. In this context, it signifies an act of rebellion against the divine order established by God.
krima · Greek Noun
A judicial decision or sentence. It refers to the final outcome of a trial or evaluation, often associated with divine justice or penalty for wrongdoing.
c. 40s AD
Jews Expelled from Rome
Emperor Claudius expels Jews from Rome, likely due to unrest related to "Chrestus" (possibly a disturbance caused by early Christian teachings). This event would have impacted Jewish Christians in Rome.
c. 58 AD— this verse
Paul Writes to the Romans
Paul writes his Epistle to the Romans, likely from Corinth, during a period of relative peace before widespread Christian persecution, though tensions and misunderstandings with Roman authorities were present.
c. 62 AD
Nero's Early Reign
Nero is emperor, a period marked by initial stability but also by his increasing tyranny and erratic behavior, culminating in the Great Fire of Rome and subsequent persecution of Christians.
c. 64 AD
Great Fire of Rome
A devastating fire sweeps through Rome. Nero blames the Christians, leading to brutal persecution and martyrdom, significantly impacting the Roman church.
Peter echoes Paul's instruction, emphasizing submission to governing authorities as a way to silence ignorant accusations and to live as free people, honoring God.
Matthew 22:21Jesus' famous response, 'Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's,' directly addresses the tension between civic and divine allegiance, affirming the legitimacy of governing authorities while subordinating them to God's ultimate authority.
Acts 5:29Peter and the apostles, when commanded by the Sanhedrin not to speak in Jesus' name, declared, 'We must obey God rather than men.' This passage provides a crucial qualification to Romans 13:1, showing the limits of submission when civil authority conflicts with divine commands.
Proverbs 8:15-16This passage highlights that true wisdom and justice come from God, and through Him, kings and rulers establish justice and righteous decrees, reinforcing the idea that legitimate authority originates from God.
Daniel 2:21Daniel acknowledges God's sovereign power over earthly kingdoms, stating that He 'removes kings and sets up kings.' This echoes the concept in Romans 13 that governing authorities are ultimately under God's authority and disposition.
vincentRomans 13:1: "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."
Every soulEvery man. See on Romans 11:3.Higher powers (ἐξουσίαις ὑπερεχούσαις)Lit., authorities which have themselves over. See on Mark 2:10; see on John 1:12.The powers that be (αἱ δὲ οὖσαι)Lit., the existing. Powers is not in the text, and is supplied from the preceding clause.Are ordained (τεταγμέναι εἰσίν)Perfect tense: Have been ordained, and…
pulpitRomans 13:1: "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."
Verses 1-8. - From admonitions to keep peace, if possible, with all men, whether or not within the Christian circle, and to act honourably and benevolently towards all, the apostle now passes to the duty of Christians towards the civil government and the laws of the country in which they lived. It is well known that the Jews were impatient of the Roman domin…
The verse emphasizes that all governing authorities, even imperfect or unjust ones, exist because God has ordained them. This means submitting to governing authorities isn't just about acknowledging human structures, but about recognizing God's sovereign hand at work in the world through them.
As Paul moves from encouraging selfless love to addressing practical Christian living, he shifts to discussing believers' relationship with governing authorities. This was a particularly sensitive topic for Roman Christians, many of whom were Jewish and chafed under Roman rule, and it was crucial to clarify that their faith didn't exempt them from civic responsibilities, even under a pagan empire. Paul establishes that all governing authority is ultimately from God and those in power have been placed there by Him.
As Paul moves from encouraging selfless love to addressing practical Christian living, he shifts to discussing believers' relationship with governing authorities. This was a particularly sensitive topic for Roman Christians, many of whom were Jewish and chafed under Roman rule, and it was crucial to clarify that their faith didn't exempt them from civic responsibilities, even under a pagan empire. Paul establishes that all governing authority is ultimately from God and those in power have been placed there by Him.
"Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who…" — The verse emphasizes that all governing authorities, even imperfect or unjust ones, exist because God has ordained them. This means submitting to governing authorities isn't just about acknowledging…
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Last reviewed October 2026
