Romans 13:5
Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse highlights two compelling reasons for submission: not just to avoid punishment, but to actively honor the divine appointment of authority. It suggests that true obedience flows from a conscience that recognizes God's hand in government, not merely from a pragmatic desire to stay out of trouble.
Paul is explaining why Christians must submit to governing authorities. After establishing that these authorities are appointed by God and are His servants to uphold good and punish evil, he now urges believers to obey not just to avoid the ruler's punishment, but also out of a clear conscience that recognizes God's will in this arrangement. This principle, he goes on to explain, extends to paying taxes, which are necessary for the functioning of government.
Why should we obey the government? Is it just about avoiding trouble?
Paul presents two compelling reasons for obeying governing authorities. The first is the fear of wrath. This refers to the punishment that authorities are empowered to inflict upon those who break the law.
What happens when the threat of punishment isn't enough to make you do the right thing?
The second, and perhaps more profound, reason for obeying governing authorities is 'for conscience' sake.' This moves beyond mere external compliance to internal conviction.
Understand the original words
syneidēsin · Greek Noun
The internal moral monitor God has placed within human beings. It is the faculty that judges one's actions, thoughts, and motives according to the knowledge of what is right and wrong.
This passage echoes Romans 13:5 by urging submission to governing authorities, specifically mentioning doing so 'for the Lord's sake,' highlighting the divine basis for obedience that aligns with obeying for conscience' sake.
Matthew 22:21Jesus' famous response to render 'to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's' directly supports the idea of fulfilling civic duties out of conscience, as it acknowledges the legitimacy of governmental authority established by God.
Titus 3:1Paul instructs Titus to remind believers to be subject to rulers and authorities, and to be obedient, which reinforces the practical outworking of the principle found in Romans 13:5 that obedience to governing powers is a required aspect of Christian living.
Ecclesiastes 8:2This verse advises keeping the king's command and showing deference 'because of the oath of God,' offering an Old Testament perspective that supports obedience to rulers not just out of fear, but as a matter of sworn duty and conscience before God.
bengelRomans 13:5: "Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake."
Romans 13:5 . Ἀνάγκη ) Baumgarten remarks that this word is wanting in some MSS . It is only wanting in the Graeco-Latin, which are unworthy of the name of MSS. where they have no Greek copies agreeing with them (as also happens, Romans 1:19 ). I do not mention this for the sake of contention, but because I am well assured of the advantage conferred on the Greek New Testament by him, who lessens…
barnesRomans 13:5: "Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake."
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 an…
The verse highlights two compelling reasons for submission: not just to avoid punishment, but to actively honor the divine appointment of authority. It suggests that true obedience flows from a conscience that recognizes God's hand in government, not merely from a pragmatic desire to stay out of trouble.
Paul is explaining why Christians must submit to governing authorities. After establishing that these authorities are appointed by God and are His servants to uphold good and punish evil, he now urges believers to obey not just to avoid the ruler's punishment, but also out of a clear conscience that recognizes God's will in this arrangement. This principle, he goes on to explain, extends to paying taxes, which are necessary for the functioning of government.
Paul is explaining why Christians must submit to governing authorities. After establishing that these authorities are appointed by God and are His servants to uphold good and punish evil, he now urges believers to obey not just to avoid the ruler's punishment, but also out of a clear conscience that recognizes God's will in this arrangement. This principle, he goes on to explain, extends to paying taxes, which are necessary for the functioning of government.
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"Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience." — The verse highlights two compelling reasons for submission: not just to avoid punishment, but to actively honor the divine appointment of authority. It suggests that true obedience flows from a c…
