ACC ~ Romans 13 v3

INSOFAR AS A DIVINE COMMAND NOT VIOLATED. BASIL: It is right to submit to higher authority whenever a command of God is not violated thereby. THE MORALS 79.1.

THE TASK OF RULERS. AMBROSIASTER: Rulers here are kings who are created in order to correct behavior and prevent bad things from happening. They have the image of God, because everyone else is under one head. COMMENTARY ON PAUL’S EPISTLES.

PRAISE COMES FROM GOD, NOT AUTHORITIES. AUGUSTINE: This can upset some people, when they think that Christians have often suffered persecution by these authorities. They say: “Were these Christians not doing good, since not only did the authorities not praise them, they punished and killed them!” The apostle’s words must be carefully considered. He does not say: “Do what is good and the authorities will praise you,” but: “Do what is good and you will have praise from him.” Whether someone in authority approves what you do or persecutes you, “you will have praise from him,” either when you win it by your obedience to God or when you earn your crown by persecution. AUGUSTINE ON ROMANS 73.

NO FEAR OF ONE IN AUTHORITY. PELAGIUS: The wicked should be afraid of the authorities, but the good have no reason to fear, for they come into glory if they are killed unjustly. Paul says: “Take my advice and you will never be afraid.” Condemnation of the wicked is in itself commendation of the good.PELAGIUS’S COMMENTARY ON ROMANS.

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