{Every soul} (p(8373)a psuch(885c)). As in  2:9  Ac 2:43 . A
Hebraism for p(8373) anthr(9370)os (every man). {To the higher powers}
(exousiais huperechousais). Abstract for concrete. See  Mr
2:10  for exousia. Huperech(935c) is an old verb to have or hold
over, to be above or supreme, as in  1Pe 2:13 . {Except by God}
(ei m(8820)hupo theou). So the best MSS. rather than apo theou
(from God). God is the author of order, not anarchy. {The powers
that be} (hai ousai). "The existing authorities" (supply
exousiai). Art ordained (	etagmenai eisin). Periphrastic
perfect passive indicative of 	ass(935c), "stand ordained by God."
Paul is not arguing for the divine right of kings or for any
special form of government, but for government and order. Nor
does he oppose here revolution for a change of government, but he
does oppose all lawlessness and disorder.