Romans 13:2
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Romans 13:2
2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
Chapter Context
Romans 13 is a theological epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of righteousness, truth, faith. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 57 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Christians in Rome navigated tensions between Jewish and Gentile believers under imperial watch.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-14: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Romans and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Romans 13:2
2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
Analysis
Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God—Hōste ho antitassomenos tē exousia tē tou theou diatagē anthistēken (ὥστε ὁ ἀντιτασσόμενος τῇ ἐξουσίᾳ τῇ τοῦ θεοῦ διαταγῇ ἀνθέστηκεν). The verb antitassō (resist/oppose) is military—to set oneself in battle array against. Resisting government authority is resisting God's diatagē (ordinance/arrangement), His ordained ordering of society. This doesn't mean blind obedience to evil commands (Daniel 3, Acts 4:19-20) but recognizes government as God's instrument.
And they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation—Krima lēmpsontai (κρίμα λήμψονται, 'will receive judgment'). Krima is better translated 'judgment' than 'damnation'—the context is temporal consequences (prison, punishment) not eternal condemnation. The future tense lēmpsontai warns of inevitable consequences for lawless rebellion. Paul grounds civil order in divine authority, making anarchy a theological issue, not merely political.
Historical Context
In the 60s AD, Jewish revolt against Rome was brewing (erupting in AD 66-70, ending in Jerusalem's destruction). Paul writes against revolutionary fervor, establishing that Christianity doesn't promote violent overthrow of government. This passage was later debated during the Reformation—when is resistance to tyrants obedience to God? Reformers like Calvin and Knox developed theories of 'lesser magistrates' who could resist tyrannical kings, but not private individuals acting vigilante.
Reflection
- What is the difference between civil disobedience (refusing unjust laws) and rebellion (<em>antitassomenos</em>, armed revolt against authority)?
- How does understanding '<em>krima</em>' (judgment) as temporal punishment rather than eternal damnation affect your reading of this verse?
- When government authority conflicts with God's law, how do you determine the faithful response—submission, civil disobedience, or active resistance?
Word Studies
- God: Θεός (Theos) G2316 - God
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Titus 3:1, James 3:1, 1 Peter 2:13