Rom 13:5 | TNotes | STEP | 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.

b13:1-4►

c13:3-4►

d13:1-2►

‏ Romans 13:5

13:5 ^a The two reasons for submission sum up the argument of 13:1-4 ^b in reverse order: to avoid punishment relates to 13:3-4 ^c, while to keep a clear conscience refers to 13:1-2 ^d.

• 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.