Romans 13:4
For he is God's minister to thee, for good. But if thou do that which is evil, fear: for he beareth not the sword in vain. For he is God's minister: an avenger to execute wrath upon him that doth evil.
Douay-Rheims Bible (Challoner, 1752)
In The King James Version
In Context
5Wherefore be subject of necessity: not only for wrath, but also for conscience' sake.
Cross References
Joshua 20:5And when the avenger of blood shall pursue him, they shall not deliver him into his hands, because he slew his neighbour unawares, and is not proved to have been his enemy two or three days before,
1 Kings 10:9Blessed be the Lord thy God, whom thou hast pleased, and who hath set thee upon the throne of Israel, because the Lord hath loved Israel for ever, and hath appointed thee king, to do judgment and justice.
Psalms 82:2O God, who shall be like to thee? hold not thy peace, neither be thou still, O God.
Proverbs 20:2As the roaring of a lion, so also is the dread of a king: he that provoketh him, sinneth against his own soul.
Proverbs 20:26A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth over them the wheel.
Proverbs 31:8Open thy mouth for the dumb, and for the causes of all the children that pass.
Matthew Henry on Romans 13:2-7
Obedience to Magistrates Enforced. ( a. d. 58.) 1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: 4 For he is the minister of God to thee… Read the whole commentary →