Commentaries:
Robertson's Word Pictures (NT)
Every soul (pasa yuxh). As in Romans 2:9; Acts 2:43. A Hebraism for pav anqrwpov (every man).
To the higher powers (ecousiaiv uperexousaiv). Abstract for concrete. See Mark 2:10 for ecousia. uperexw is an old verb to have or hold over, to be above or supreme, as in I Peter 2:13.
Except by God (ei mh upo qeou). So the best MSS. rather than apo qeou (from God). God is the author of order, not anarchy.
The powers that be (ai ousai). "The existing authorities" (supply ecousiai). Art ordained (tetagmenai eisin). Periphrastic perfect passive indicative of tassw, "stand ordained by God." Paul is not arguing for the divine right of kings or for any special form of government, but for government and order. Nor does he oppose here revolution for a change of government, but he does oppose all lawlessness and disorder.
Other Robertson's Word Pictures (NT) entries containing Romans 13:1:
John 19:11
Romans 2:9
1 Corinthians 1:31
Colossians 3:18
Hebrews 10:34
1 Peter 2:13
1 Peter 2:13
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