And that of 2 Thess. 3:14, “If any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed”: where from the word “obey,” he would infer that this epistle was a law to the Thessalonians. The epistles of the emperors were indeed laws. If therefore the epistle of St. Paul were also a law, they were to obey two masters. But the word “obey,” as it is in the Greek ὑπακούει , signifieth “hearkening to” or “putting in practice,” not only that which is commanded by him that has right to punish, but also that which is delivered in a way of counsel for our good; and therefore St. Paul does not bid kill him that disobeys; nor beat, nor imprison, nor amerce him, which legislators may all do; but avoid his company, that he may be ashamed: whereby it is evident it was not the empire of an apostle, but his reputation amongst the faithful, which the Christians stood in awe of.
The last place is that of Heb. 13:17, “Obey your leaders, and submit yourselves to them; for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account”: and here also is intended by obedience a following of their counsel. For