Read & explore together
Submission to Authorities
Romans 13:1-7 teaches how people should relate to higher authorities. It gives reasons for subjection, describes the ruler’s role in relation to good and evil, and ends with practical duties such as taxes, respect and honour.
Understanding the passage
The setting of these words
This part of the letter addresses “every soul” and explains why subjection to higher authorities matters. The passage links authority with God, warns against resisting authority, describes rulers in relation to good and evil, and names duties that are owed.
Romans 13:1–7Main takeaway
This passage calls people to be subject to higher authorities and to give what is owed, including taxes, respect and honour.
Follow the letter’s teaching
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01Authority and resistanceThe passage opens with a broad command: every person is to be in subjection to the higher authorities.
Explanation
The passage opens with a broad command: every person is to be in subjection to the higher authorities. The reason given is that no authority exists except from God, and existing authorities are ordained by God. So resisting authority is described as resisting God’s ordinance and bringing judgment.
02The ruler’s role in good and evilThe next verses explain rulers in relation to conduct. Rulers are said not to be a terror to good work, but to evil.
Explanation
The next verses explain rulers in relation to conduct. Rulers are said not to be a terror to good work, but to evil. A person who does good may receive praise from authority. The ruler is called a servant of God for good, and the sword is linked with wrath against evil.
03More than fearSubjection is not presented only as a way to avoid wrath. The passage adds “for conscience’ sake” as another reason.
Explanation
Subjection is not presented only as a way to avoid wrath. The passage adds “for conscience’ sake” as another reason. This shows that the response described here includes an inward sense of duty, not merely concern about punishment or consequences from authority.
04What is owedThe passage ends with practical examples. It says taxes are paid for this reason, since these servants are continually engaged in this work.
Explanation
The passage ends with practical examples. It says taxes are paid for this reason, since these servants are continually engaged in this work. Then it states a wider principle: give everyone what is owed, naming taxes, customs, respect and honour.
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01What reasons does this passage give for being in subjection to higher authorities?
Note that authority is connected with God, resistance brings judgment, and subjection is also urged for conscience’ sake.
02How does the passage describe the ruler’s relationship to good and evil?
Look for the contrast between praise for good and fear for evil, and notice the ruler is called God’s servant.
03What does the passage say people should give when something is owed?
List each item named at the end of the passage.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
Romans 13:1–7
1Let every soul be in subjection to the higher authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those who exist are ordained by God.
2Therefore he who resists the authority withstands the ordinance of God; and those who withstand will receive to themselves judgment.
3For rulers are not a terror to the good work, but to the evil. Do you desire to have no fear of the authority? Do that which is good, and you will have praise from the authority,
4for he is a servant of God to you for good. But if you do that which is evil, be afraid, for he doesn’t bear the sword in vain; for he is a servant of God, an avenger for wrath to him who does evil.
5Therefore you need to be in subjection, not only because of the wrath, but also for conscience’ sake.
6For this reason you also pay taxes, for they are servants of God’s service, continually doing this very thing.
7Therefore give everyone what you owe: if you owe taxes, pay taxes; if customs, then customs; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.