“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.”
Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. — Hypotassō (subject, arrange under) exousias (authorities) reflects a political theology: all exousia (authority, delegated power) derives from God's hyperochē (preeminence). This is not naive endorsement but theological principle—even pagan Rome's authority is theologically situated. The diarchy (church and state) is not coequal but God ordains both.
Church Fathers on Romans 13:1
Of this subject he makes much account in other epistles also, setting subjects under their rulers as household servants are under their masters. And this he does to show that it was not for the subversion of the commonwealth that Christ introduced His laws, but for the better ordering of it, and to teach men not to be taking up unnecessary and unprofitable wars. For the plots that are formed against us for the truth's sake are sufficient and we have no need to be adding…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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