Render, therefore, to all Magistrates, whether supreme or subordinate; their dues What by law, or by the appointment of God, belongs to them, even though you may have opportunities of defrauding them of it, to your own immediate and temporal advantage. In this precept the apostle follows the Lord Jesus, who ordered the Jews to render to Cesar the things which were Cesar's, though Cesar was neither of the Jewish nation, nor of their religion. Tribute Taxes on your persons or estates; custom For goods exported or imported. “By using the general expression, to whom tribute is due, the apostle leaves it to the laws and constitution of every state, and to the people in these states, to determine who are their lawful magistrates, and what the tributes and customs are which are due to their governors; but by no means allows individuals to determine these points, because that would open the door to rebellion.” Macknight. Fear Obedience; honour Reverence: all these are due to the higher powers.
Related Commentaries of Romans 13:7
Romans 13:7
7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.