Romans 13:4
for he is a servant of God to you for good. But if you do that which is evil, be afraid, for he doesn’t bear the sword in vain; for he is a servant of God, an avenger for wrath to him who does evil.
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Cross References
Joshua 20:5If the avenger of blood pursues him, then they shall not deliver up the man slayer into his hand; because he struck his neighbour unintentionally, and didn’t hate him before.
1 Kings 10:9Blessed is the LORD your God, who delighted in you, to set you on the throne of Israel. Because the LORD loved Israel forever, therefore he made you king, to do justice and righteousness.”
Psalms 82:2“How long will you judge unjustly, and show partiality to the wicked?” Selah.
Proverbs 20:2The terror of a king is like the roaring of a lion. He who provokes him to anger forfeits his own life.
Proverbs 20:26A wise king winnows out the wicked, and drives the threshing wheel over them.
Proverbs 31:8Open your mouth for the mute, in the cause of all who are left desolate.
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 →