Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
What does Romans 13:5 mean?
The grace of the gospel teaches us submission and quiet, where pride and the carnal mind only see causes for murmuring and discontent.
Key themes
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Keep this verse inside Romans 13:2-6 and alongside a few nearby related passages.
Commentary on Romans 13:5
Wherefore - διο 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" αναγκη anagke to be. This is a word stronger than what implies mere "fitness" or propriety. It means that it is a matter of high obligation and of "necessity" to be subject to the civil ruler. Not only for wrath - Not only on account of the "fear of punishment;" or the fact that wrath will be executed on evil doers.
Key words
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Context in Romans 13
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Romans 13 belongs to the middle movement of the book, especially the section often described as Israel, mercy, and transformed life. Romans is Paul’s fullest sustained exposition of sin, grace, righteousness, faith, Israel, the Spirit, and transformed life in Christ. Read this chapter with the wider themes of justification, grace, and faith in view so the individual verses keep their proper weight.
Related topics
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Passages on trusting God, receiving Christ, persevering without sight, and the relation between faith and lived obedience.
Key passages on God's unmerited favour, the grace of Christ, salvation by grace through faith, and how grace transforms the way believers live.
Passages on lowliness, modesty, the contrast between pride and humility, and the way God exalts those who humble themselves.