Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
Ver. 1. Let every soul be subject] In things lawful only; for else we must answer as those apostles did, Acts 4:29, and as Polycarp, who being commanded to blaspheme Christ, and to swear by the fortune of Caesar, peremptorily refused, and said, We are taught to give honour to princes and potentates, but such honour as is not contrary to God's religion.
Ordained of God] In regard of its institution, though for the manner of its constitution it is of man.