God, the Supreme Ruler and King of all the world,1 has ordained kings and all that are in authority to be, under him, rulers of men, for his own glory, and the common weal of the people.2 He also invests them with authority, to be a terror to evil doers, and, when necessary, to execute wrath upon them. They are also sent by him for the praise and protection of them that do well.3 It is the duty of all the subjects to reverence and honour them; to obey them in all things that are in accordance with the word of God;4 to pray and give thanks for them, to honour and obey their laws, to pay whatever tax or tribute they impose, without murmur, concealment, or fraud.5 We should consider our duty to honour and obey the king to rest upon the ordinance and authority of God, whose minister he is, and not upon the king’s personal virtues.6
1 Psa. 47:2; 95:3; 103:19; Dan. 4:34-37; Jer. 10:10; Prov. 8:15-16; 1 Tim. 6:15. 2 Rom. 13:1-2,4; Psa. 21:5; 82:3-4; 138:4-5; Isa. 49:23; Rev. 21:24; Ezra 7:27. 3 Rom. 13:3-4; 1 Peter 2:13-14. 4 Rom. 13:1; 1 Peter 2:13-17; Titus 3:1; 2 Peter 2:10; Jude 8 & 9. 5 1 Tim. 2:1-2; Ezra 6:10; Psa. 20 (See Luther on this Psalm): 72:1; Prov. 24:21; Exod. 8:9; Jer. 29:7; Rom. 13:6-7. 6 Rom. 13:4,6; 1 Peter 2:13-17; Titus 3:1-2.
