Romans 13:2

Therefore he that resisteth the power, withstandeth the ordinance of God: and they that withstand shall receive to themselves judgment.

'Therefore' -seeing that the civil authorities are the arrangement of God.

'resisteth' -to range oneself against, i.e. to oppose. To range in battle against, 'he that lines himself up against.' (Robertson p. 407)

'the power' -'authority' (NASV), i.e. the established civil authorities.

Points to Note:

1. No specific 'type' of government is ordained of God. No particular form of authority is specified. Imperial, monarchical, republican, democratic, communist or socialist. Paul was writing when Rome ruled the world and the Roman government often abused it's power. But Jesus and His apostles taught subjection to it. (Matthew 22:21 'Render to Caesar..'; 1 Peter 2:13 'whether to. king..honor the king'.) God's people in the past have even served in the administrations of Dictatorships, Monarchies and Totalitarian Governments. (Joseph, Esther, Daniel, Nehemiah). God's form of government for the nation of Israel wasn't. Democracy or. Republic. It was. Monarchy (Deuteronomy 17:15)

2. It is always understood, that the State never has the right to demand allegiance that is due only to God. 'The obedience which the Christian owes to the State is never absolute.' (F.F. Bruce p. 237) (Acts 4:19; Acts 5:29)

'withstandeth' -'has taken his stand against' (Robertson p. 407)

'ordinance of God' -arrangement, i.e. institution. 'The governmental power', the man who insists on defying lawful government is defying God. He setteth himself against that which is divinely set. (Vincent p. 164) 'Is opposing the divine order' (Mof); 'Is resisting. Divine institution' (NEB).

'God has made it very clear throughout his word that he will not tolerate anarchy. ("Anarchism"-the theory that all forms of government interfere unjustly with individual liberty. Webster p. 50) Whether it is the family structure (Romans 1:30 'disobedient to parents'), the national government, Church government (Hebrews 13:17) or the powers beyond this world---God doesn't approve of anarchy. In 2 Peter 2:10 and Judges 1:8...Jude tells us of Michael (an arch-angel, no less) when in dispute with the Devil would not behave himself disrespectfully. If anyone would have the position of bring. railing accusation against anyone, it would be the powerful Michael. If any person deserves. railing accusation it would be the Devil. Michael refrained from what silly (mere) mortals major in. The ranting and raving that we often hear against dignitaries is not Christian..(We're not discussing the godly denunciation of immoral schemes or activities.)'

'shall receive to themselves judgement' -'will get punishment for themselves' (Bas). Not only from the civil authorities (Romans 13:3), but from God himself. Which means that the revolutionary, anarchist, terrorist, and traitor is going to end up lost, if they don't repent.