Romans 13:3

For rulers don't frighten those who do right, but those who do wrong. If you don't want to live in fear of the authorities, then do what is right, and you'll have their approval.

Free Bible Version

In The King James Version

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:

In Context

2Whoever resists the authorities opposes what God has put in place, and those who do so shall find themselves judged accordingly.

4Those in power are God's servants, put there for your own good. If you do wrong, you should be frightened—it's not without reason that authorities have the power to punish! They are God's servants, punishing offenders.

Read all of Romans 13

Cross References

Proverbs 14:35A servant who acts wisely is appreciated by the king, but he gets angry with a servant who acts disgracefully.

Ecclesiastes 10:4If your superior gets angry with you, don't give up and leave. If you stay calm even bad mistakes can be resolved.

Romans 13:4Those in power are God's servants, put there for your own good. If you do wrong, you should be frightened—it's not without reason that authorities have the power to punish! They are God's servants, punishing offenders.

1 Peter 3:13Who will harm you if you're keen to do good?

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 →

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