CHAPTER 13
Romans 13:1-2
- Omnis anima potestatibus
supereminentibus subdita sit: non enim est - 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. potestas, nisi a Deo; quae vero sunt potestates a
Deo sunt ordinatae. - Itaque qui resistit potestati, Dei ordinationi
resistit; qui vero restiterint judicium sibi
accersent. - Whosoever therefore resisteth the power,
resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist
shall receive to themselves damnation.
1.Let every soul,^399 etc. Inasmuch as he so carefully handles this subject in connection with
what forms the Christian life, it appears that he was constrained to do so by some great necessity
which existed especially in that age, though the preaching of the gospel at all times renders this
necessary. There are indeed always some tumultuous spirits who believe that the kingdom of Christ
cannot be sufficiently elevated, unless all earthly powers be abolished, and that they cannot enjoy
the liberty given by him, except they shake off every yoke of human subjection. This error, however,
possessed the minds of the Jews above all others; for it seemed to them disgraceful that the offspring
of Abraham, whose kingdom flourished before the Redeemer’s coming, should now, after his
appearance, continue in submission to another power. There was also another thing which alienated
the Jews no less than the Gentiles from their rulers, because they all not only hated piety, but also
persecuted religion with the most hostile feelings. Hence it seemed unreasonable to acknowledge
them for legitimate princes and rulers, who were attempting to take away the kingdom from Christ,
the only Lord of heaven and earth.
By these reasons, as it is probable, Paul was induced to establish, with greater care than usual,
the authority of magistrates, and first he lays down a general precept, which briefly includes what
he afterwards says: secondly, he subjoins an exposition and a proof of his precept.
He calls them the higher powers,^400 not the supreme, who possess the chief authority, but such
as excel other men. Magistrates are then thus called with regard to their subjects, and not as compared
with each other. And it seems indeed to me, that the Apostle intended by this word to take away
the frivolous curiosity of men, who are wont often to inquire by what right they who rule have
obtained their authority; but it ought to be enough for us, that they do rule; for they have not
ascended by their own power into this high station, but have been placed there by the Lord’s hand.
(^399) “Anima,” , not only the Hebrews, (see Genesis 14:21; 46:27,) but the Greeks also designate man by this word. Man is
sometimes designated by his immaterial part, soul, and sometimes by his material part, flesh, or body, as in Romans 12:1. One
author says that the word soul is used here in order to show that the obedience enforced should be from the soul, not feigned,
but sincere and genuine. Let every soul, that is “every one,” says Grotius, “even apostles, prophets, and bishops.” — Ed.
(^400) “Potestates supereminentes — pre-eminent powers.” Hammond renders the words , supremepowers, meaning
kings, and refers to in Romans 13:3, as a proof; but this word means magistrates as well as kings. See Luke 12:58. The
ruling power as exercised by those in authority is evidently what is meant here, without any reference to any form of government.
Of course obedience to kings, or to emperors, or to any exercising a ruling power, whatever name they may bear, is included.
— Ed