Therefore you must be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience's sake.
All Commentaries on Romans 13:5 Go To Romans 13
John Chrysostom
AD 407
What is the meaning of “not only to avoid God’s wrath”? It means not only because you resist God by not being subject, nor only because you are bringing great evils on yourself both from God and from the ruler, but also because the ruler is a benefactor to you in things of the utmost importance, because he brings you peace and the blessings of civil institutions. States receive countless blessings through these authorities, and if they were taken away, everything would go to pieces.
