The Watchtower, “Subjection to the Higher Powers”
“The conclusions arrived at were published in the June 1 and 15, 1929, issues of The Watchtower in the article, in two parts, entitled “The Higher Powers”. … Romans 13:1-7 has since 1929 been taken by Jehovah's witnesses to be instructions on rendering to God what belongs to God. Why? Because the expression “the higher powers” is now understood to mean primarily the Most High God and his reigning Son Jesus Christ.”
Restates and defends the 1929 interpretation; also says 'Up till 1928 they, too, had held to the ecclesiastical interpretation of Romans 13:1-7'.
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Provenance and verification note for The Watchtower, Subjection to the Higher Powers
Confidence note. Opened on wol.jw.org; wording confirmed; page 441 from page markers (some summaries give pp. 439-440).
Corroborated by. src-kr-2014-ch5-superior-authorities
Notes. Serves as primary evidence of the 1929-1962 teaching in lieu of the unopened 1929 issues.
Accessed. 19 September 2026 · Source ID. src-w-1950-1115-subjection-higher-powers