Romans 13:6

The passage assumes, of course, that where human law, or its minister, contradicts Divine precepts, (as when a Christian is commanded to do wrong,) then obedience to the Higher Authority must take precedence. Christian officials, for instance, under a despot must not plot against him, but also must not do wrong for him.

for this cause i.e. because of "the conscience" that they are God's appointed agency, and act in Hisname when they demand contributions for the public revenues, which are a vital part of the machinery of civil order.

tribute taxes.

attending continually persevering in, "devoting themselves to." Same word as e.g. Romans 12:12, (" continuing instant.") The word points to government as the life-work of the governor; a thing not of pride or privilege so much as of incessant duty.

upon this very thing Better, with a view to this very thing; i.e., probably, "with a view to the service of God." The governor may not consciously"serve God" in his office; but in his office he does a work which is"the ordinance of God," and must be recognized as such by Christian subjects. To refer the words "this very thing" to taxes, or tax-gathering, is to limit what is evidently a solemn summary clause, and greatly to lessen its intended weight.