Romans 13:5

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 dealt with precisely as elsewhere the ownership of slaves is dealt with. Just as the Gospel bids the slave submit to his master, yet meanwhile (above all by bringing out the value and dignity of every human soul) withers the root of slavery, so it bids the subject obey the despot, yet withers the root of despotism.

Wherefore Because of the ruler's Divinecredentials. The Christian is accordingly a good subject not only on account of the wrath, (so lit.; i.e. the ruler's wrath in case of crime,) but also on account of the conscience, (so lit.; i.e. the Christian's knowledge and sense of the ruler's rightto be angry).