Romans 13:5

“Wherefore ye must needs be subject, etc..] To the higher powers, to the civil magistrates; there is a necessity of it, because magistracy is God's ordinance, it is for the good of men; and such that oppose it will severely smart for it: but subjection to it from Christians should be, not only for wrath; through fear of punishment, and for the sake of escaping it; either the wrath of men or of God, in this or the other world: but also for conscience sake: to keep conscience clear, to exercise a good one void of offence towards God and men; for natural reason, conscience itself, dictates that there ought to be such order among men, that civil government should take place, and ought to be…”

“Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath--for fear of the magistrate's vengeance. but also for conscience' sake--from reverence for God's authority. It is of Magistracy in general, considered as a divine ordinance, that this is spoken: and the statement applies equally to all forms of government, from an unchecked despotism--such as flourished when this was written, under the Emperor Nero--to a pure democracy. The inalienable right of all subjects to endeavor to alter or improve the form of government under which they live is left untouched here. But since Christians were constantly charged with turning the world upside down, and since there certainly were elements enough in…”

“Wherefore - διό dio. The “reasons” why we should be subject, which the apostle had given, were two, That government was appointed by God. (2)That violation of the laws would necessarily expose to punishment. Ye must needs be - It is “necessary” ἀναγκή anagkē to be. This is a word stronger than what implies mere “fitness” or propriety. It means that it is a matter of high obligation and of “necessity” to be subject to the civil ruler. Not only for wrath - Not only on account of the “fear of punishment;” or the fact that wrath will be executed on evil doers. For conscience’ sake - As a matter of conscience, or of “duty to God,” because “he” has appointed it, and made it necessary and…”

“Not only for fear of wrath - That is, punishment from man. But for conscience' sake - Out of obedience to God. Romans 13:6”

“13:5 The two reasons for submission sum up the argument of 13:1-4 in reverse order: to avoid punishment relates to 13:3-4, while to keep a clear conscience refers to 13:1-2. • The word conscience (Greek suneidēsis) refers to the painful knowledge of wrongdoing. Christians know about their duty to submit to governing authorities, and their failure to do so would bring the pain of a guilty conscience.”

“ye: Sa1 24:5, Sa1 24:6; Ecc 8:2; Tit 3:1, Tit 3:2; Pe1 2:13-15 conscience: Act 24:16; Heb 13:18; Pe1 2:19, Pe1 3:16 Romans 13:6”