“Ideo necessitate subditi estote non solum propter iram, sed etiam propter conscientiam.”
“Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.”
“Therefore it is necessary to submit to authority, not only to avoid punishment, but also as a matter of conscience.”
“Therefore you need to be in subjection, not only because of the wrath, but also for conscience’ sake.”
“Wherefore ye must needs be in subjection, not only because of the wrath, but also for conscience' sake.”
II. The reasons to enforce this duty. Why must we be subject?
Verses 1-7 The grace of the gospel teaches us submission and quiet, where pride and the carnal mind only see causes for murmuring and discontent. Whatever the persons in authority over us themselves may be, yet the just power they have, must be submitted to and obeyed. In the general course of human affairs, rulers are not a terror to honest, quiet, and good subjects, but to evil-doers. Such is the power of sin and corruption, that many will be kept back from crimes only by the fear of punishment. Thou hast the benefit of the government, therefore do what thou canst to preserve it, and nothing to disturb it. This directs private persons to behave quietly and peaceably ( 1 Timothy. 2:1 1 Timothy. 2:2 ) trick or fraud. All smuggling, dealing in contraband goods, withholding or evading duties, is rebellion against the express command of God. Thus honest neighbours are robbed, who will have to pay the more; and the crimes of smugglers, and others who join with them, are abetted. It is painful that some professors of the gospel should countenance such dishonest practices. The lesson here taught it becomes all Christians to learn and practise, that the godly in the land will always be found the quiet and the peaceable in the land, whatever others are.