Romans 13:2

Romans 13:2. So that (as a result of the principle just stated) he who resisteth (or, ‘setteth himself against') the authority, that particular existing authority, to which he should submit himself. (There is a play upon the words in the Greek which cannot be reproduced in English.

With-standeth, or, ‘opposeth;' not the same word as before, though the E. V. renders both ‘resisteth.'

The ordinance of God. The word ‘ordinance' corresponds with ‘ordained' (Romans 13:1).

They that withstand shall receive to themselves judgment, or, ‘condemnation.' The former is more literal, but the latter sense is evidently implied. ‘Damnation' is incorrect, since it suggests future eternal punishment, which is not meant here. But the ‘judgment' is from God, since it is His ‘ordinance' which is withstood. That the rulers are instruments in inflicting the divine punishment is indicated in Romans 13:3-4, but the punishment may come in other ways. ‘Paul reproduces here in a certain sense, but in another form, the saying of Jesus (Matthew 26:52): “All they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.”‘ (Godet)