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…

Wherefore - διό dio. The “reasons” why we should be subject, which the apostle had given, were two, That government was appointed by God.

(2)That violation of the laws would necessarily expose to…

Ye must needs be subject - Αναγκη, There is a necessity that ye should be subject, not only for wrath, δια την οργην, on account of the punishment which will be inflicted on evil doers, but also for…

We are here taught how to conduct ourselves towards magistrates, and those that are in authority over us, called here the higher powers, intimating their authority (they are powers), and their dignity…

As regards the special question of despotism, it is treated here not by explicit condemnation, but by the statement of principles which will peacefully undermine its own distinctiveprinciples. It is…