New Testament

Romans 13:1

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In Romans 13:1, Paul emphasizes the importance of submitting to governing authorities, stating that all authority comes from God.

Author: Paul the apostle
Written: Around AD 57
Genre: Letter (epistle)
Original Audience: Christians in Rome

CBTClear Bible Translation

Everyone must submit to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist have been established by God.

KJVKing James Version

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.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In Romans 13:1, Paul emphasizes the importance of submitting to governing authorities, stating that all authority comes from God. This means that the leaders and systems in place are part of God's plan for order and structure in society. By submitting to these authorities, believers acknowledge God's sovereignty and the role He plays in governance. This does not mean that all actions of authorities are just or right, but it highlights the principle that God has established a framework for human interaction and societal order. Therefore, Christians are called to respect and obey laws, as long as they do not contradict God's commands. This passage encourages believers to trust in God's ultimate authority and to act with integrity within the systems of their society, promoting peace and order as a reflection of their faith.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Romans 13:1 to your life

As Christians, we should strive to respect and obey the laws of our land, recognizing that they are part of God's design for order. This means participating in civic duties, such as voting and following regulations, while also standing firm in our faith when laws conflict with God's commands.

Curated for this public verse page. Romans Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Romans 13:1 mean?

Romans 13:1 teaches that everyone should submit to governing authorities because all authority comes from God. This means that the leaders and systems in place are part of God's plan for maintaining order in society.

What is the meaning of submission to authority in Romans 13:1?

Submission to authority in Romans 13:1 means respecting and obeying the laws and leaders established in society, as they are seen as ordained by God for maintaining order and structure.

How should Christians respond to unjust authorities according to Romans 13:1?

While Romans 13:1 calls for submission to authorities, Christians are encouraged to obey laws as long as they do not contradict God's commands, which means standing firm in faith when faced with unjust laws.

Does Romans 13:1 mean we should obey all laws?

Romans 13:1 encourages respect for governing authorities, but it does not mean that all laws are just. Christians are called to obey laws unless they conflict with God's commands.

Book Summary

The Book of Romans

Romans 1: Paul's Greeting and the Wrath of God Against Ungodliness

Paul introduces himself as a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle and separated to preach the gospel of God. He says this gospel concerns God's Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who is made of the seed of David according to the flesh and declared to be the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead. Paul explains that through Christ he receives grace and apostleship to bring about obedience of faith among all nations. He addresses the believers in Rome as those loved by God and called to be saints, and he gives thanks for their faith, which is spoken of throughout the whole world. He tells them he prays continually to visit them and longs to see them so he may share a spiritual gift and be comforted together with them by mutual faith.

Paul says he is ready to preach the gospel in Rome and declares he is not ashamed of it, because it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. He states that the righteousness of God is revealed in the gospel from faith to faith. He then describes the wrath of God revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth. He says people know God through creation, yet they do not glorify him as God. Their thinking becomes empty, and their foolish heart is darkened. They exchange the glory of the incorruptible God for images of corruptible creatures. God gives them over to uncleanness, dishonorable passions, and a reprobate mind. They fill themselves with all manner of unrighteousness and continue in these things while approving others who do the same. Romans 2: God's Righteous Judgment Paul addresses a person who judges others and says that anyone who judges commits the same kinds of sins. He warns that God's judgment is according to truth and that those who continue in evil will not escape. He explains that God will render to every man according to his deeds: eternal life to those who continue in well-doing, and indignation and wrath to those who obey unrighteousness. He says there is no respect of persons with God. Gentiles who sin without the law perish without the law, and Jews who sin under the law are judged by the law.

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