An Explanation of Luther's Small Catechism · Martin Luther
WHAT DUTIES SUBJECTS OWE MAGISTRATES.
Render therefore unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's.--Matt. 22:21. Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers, etc. Wherefore we must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience' sake. For this cause pay ye tribute also; for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues; tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.--Rom. 13:1, 5. I exhort, therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men; for kings and for all that are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.--I Tim. 2. Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, etc.--Tit. 3:1. Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king as supreme; or unto governors as unto them that are sent, etc.--I Pet. 2:13. Ye husbands, dwell with your wives according to knowledge, giving honor unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.--1 Pet. 3:7. And be not bitter against them.--Col. 3:19. Wives submit yourselves unto your husbands, as unto the Lord--even as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord; whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.--Eph. 5:22; I Pet. 3:6.
Ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.--Eph. 6:4. Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honor thy father and thy mother; which is the first commandment with promise; that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.--Eph. 6:1-3. Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; not with eye-service, as men-pleasers; but as the servants of Christ doing the will of God from the heart; with good will doing service as to the Lord, and not to men; knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.--Eph. 6:5-8 Ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening; knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with Him.--Eph. 6:9 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.--I Pet. 5:5, 6. She that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day; but she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth.--I Tim. 5:5, 6. Thou shall love thy neighbor as thyself. Herein are comprehended all the commandments.--Rom. 13:9, 10. And persevere in prayer for all men.--I Tim. 2:1, 2.
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