Romans 13:5

5 Therefore it is necessary that ye be subject, not only for punishment, but also for conscience sake.

Romans 13:5 Meaning and Commentary

Romans 13:5

Wherefore ye must needs be subject
To the higher powers, to the civil magistrates; there is a necessity of it, because magistracy is God's ordinance, it is for the good of men; and such that oppose it will severely smart for it: but subjection to it from Christians should be,

not only for wrath;
through fear of punishment, and for the sake of escaping it; either the wrath of men or of God, in this or the other world:

but also for conscience sake:
to keep conscience clear, to exercise a good one void of offence towards God and men; for natural reason, conscience itself, dictates that there ought to be such order among men, that civil government should take place, and ought to be submitted to.

Romans 13:5 In-Context

3 For the magistrates are not a terror unto those who do good, but to the doer of evil. Is thy desire therefore to not fear the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same;

4 for he is a minister of God for thy good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain, for he is a minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that does evil.

5 Therefore it is necessary that ye be subject, not only for punishment, but also for conscience sake.

6 For this cause ye also pay them tribute, for they are God’s ministers, attending continually to this very thing.

7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.