Bibelkommentare

Every soul (πασα ψυχη). As in Romans 2:9; Acts 2:43. A Hebraism for πας ανθρωπος (every man). To the higher powers (εξουσιαις υπερεχουσαις). Abstract for concrete. See Mark 2:10 for εξουσια. Hυπερεχω is an old verb to have or hold over, to be above or supreme, as in 1 Peter 2:13. Except by God (ε μη υπο θεου). So the best MSS. rather than απο θεου (from God). God is the author of order, not anarchy. The powers that be (α ουσα). "The existing authorities" (supply εξουσια). Art ordained (τεταγμενα εισιν). Periphrastic perfect passive indicative of τασσω, "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.

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He that resisteth (ο αντιτασσομενος). Present middle articular participle of αντιτασσω, old verb to range in battle against as in Acts 18:6, "he that lines himself up against." Withstandeth (ανθεστηκεν). Perfect active indicative of ανθιστημ and intransitive, "has taken his stand against." The ordinance of God (τη του θεου διαταγη). Late word, but common in papyri (Deissmann, Light, etc., p. 89), in N.T. only here and Acts 7:53. Note repetition of root of τασσω. To themselves (εαυτοις). Dative of disadvantage. See Mark 12:40 for "shall receive a judgment" (κρινα λημψοντα). Future middle of λαμβανω.

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A terror (φοβος). This meaning in Isaiah 8:13. Paul does not approve all that rulers do, but he is speaking generally of the ideal before rulers. Nero was Emperor at this time. From the same (εξ αυτης). "From it" (εξουσια, personified in verse Romans 13:4).

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A minister of God (θεου διακονος). General sense of διακονος. Of course even Nero was God's minister "to thee (σο ethical dative) for good (εις το αγαθον, for the good)." That is the ideal, the goal. Beareth (φορε). Present active indicative of φορεω, old frequentative form of φερω, to bear, to wear. But if thou do (εαν δε ποιηις). Condition of third class, εαν and present active subjunctive of ποιεω, "if thou continue to do." Sword (μαχαιραν). Symbol of authority as to-day policemen carry clubs or pistols. "The Emperor Trajan presented to a provincial governor on starting for his province, a dagger, with the words, 'For me. If I deserve it, in me'" (Vincent). An avenger (εκδικος). Old adjective from εκ and δικη (right), "outside of penalty," unjust, then in later Greek "exacting penalty from one," in N.T. only here and 1 Thessalonians 4:6.

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Ye must needs (αναγκη). "There is necessity," both because of the law and because of conscience, because it is right (Romans 2:15; Romans 9:1).

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Ye pay (τελειτε). Present active indicative (not imperative) of τελεω, to fulfil. Tribute (φορους). Old word from φερω, to bring, especially the annual tax on lands, etc. (Luke 20:22; Luke 23:1). Paying taxes recognizes authority over us. Ministers of God's service (λειτουργο θεου). Late word for public servant (unused λειτος from Attic λεως, people, and εργω, to work). Often used of military servants, servants of the king, and temple servants (Hebrews 8:2). Paul uses it also of himself as Christ's λειτουργος (Romans 15:16) and of Epaphroditus as a minister to him (Philippians 2:25). See θεου διακονος in verse Romans 13:4. Attending continually (προσκαρτερουντες). Present active participle of the late verb προσκαρτερεω (προς and καρτερεω from καρτος or κρατος, strength) to persevere. See on Acts 2:42; Acts 8:13.

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Dues (οφειλας). Debts, from οφειλω, to owe. Often so in the papyri, though not in Greek authors. In N.T. only here, Matthew 18:32; 1 Corinthians 7:3. Paying debts needs emphasis today, even for ministers. To whom tribute is due (τω τον φορον). We must supply a participle with the article τω like απαιτουντ ("to the one asking tribute"). So with the other words (to whom custom, τω το τελος απαιτουντ; to whom fear, τω τον φοβον απαιτουντ; to whom honour, τω την τιμην απαιτουντ). Φορος is the tribute paid to a subject nation (Luke 20:22), while τελος is tax for support of civil government (Matthew 17:25).

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Save to love one another (ε μη το αλληλους αγαπαιν). "Except the loving one another." This articular infinitive is in the accusative case the object of οφειλετε and partitive apposition with μηδεν (nothing). This debt can never be paid off, but we should keep the interest paid up. His neighbour (τον ετερον). "The other man," "the second man." "Just as in the relations of man and God πιστις has been substituted for νομος, so between man and man αγαπη takes the place of definite legal relations" (Sanday and Headlam). See Matthew 22:37-40 for the words of Jesus on this subject. Love is the only solution of our social relations and national problems.

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