Be Subject for Wrath and Conscience Romans 13:5

Paul the apostle told the believing people in Rome, “the minister of God to you for good. But if you do that which is evil, be afraid; for he bears not the sword in vain”, and he added, “for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that does evil.” In chapter thirteen and verse five of Romans, Paul added one more thought to his discourse as he told the believers, “be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake” where we read:

Wherefore you need to be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.

The verse begins, “Wherefore you need to be subject, ...” Paul began with the words, “wherefore ” which means “consequently, for which cause and on account of this” “you need” or “Paul's believing readers have necessity by the circumstances, law of duty, advantage, custom and argument” “to be subject” which means “to be arranged under, subordinate, submit to the control of, yield and obey”. Paul concluded that his believing readers needed to “subordinate” themselves and “submit to” the “rulers and authorities” who were put in place by God.

The verse goes on to say, “not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.” Paul added the words, “not only for wrath” which means “not solely and completely because of their anger, temper, character and indignation”, “but also” or “nevertheless, notwithstanding, moreover and even as and indeed” “for conscience” which means “because and for the cause of the soul as distinguishing between what is morally good and bad, prompting to do the former and shun the latter while commending one and condemning the other” “sake” or “reason or on this account”. Paul

When we consider these words of Paul, we see how his readers were to be “submissive” to “rulers and authorities” not just because they might pour out their “judgment and anger” upon violators of the law, but also so the “inward soul” is at peace. When people receive Jesus Christ as their personal “Savior and Lord”, they align themselves under His ultimate rule, and He uses other people who are in “authority” to govern over the ways of mankind. These “agents” will give an account to Him for their leadership, and those under their “rule” shall account for their “subordination”. God desires everyone to be under His loving and gracious “rule”, and when believers in His Son Jesus comply with His order, peace comes into and remains within their souls.

Next time Paul tells the believers in Rome, “for this cause pay tribute (or taxes) also”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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