Romans 13:4
For he is ye minister of God for thy wealth, but if thou do euill, feare: for he beareth not the sworde for nought: for he is the minister of God to take vengeance on him that doeth euill.
Geneva Bible 1599
In The King James Version
In Context
5Wherefore ye must bee subiect, not because of wrath only, but also for conscience sake.
Cross References
Joshua 20:5And if the auenger of blood pursue after him, they shall not deliuer the slaier into his hand because hee smote his neighbour ignorantly, neither hated he him before time:
1 Kings 10:9Blessed be the Lord thy God, which loued thee, to set thee on the throne of Israel, because the Lord loued Israel for euer and made thee King to doe equitie and righteousnesse.
Psalms 82:2How long wil ye iudge vniustly, and accept the persons of the wicked? Selah.
Proverbs 20:2The feare of the King is like the roaring of a lyon: hee that prouoketh him vnto anger, sinneth against his owne soule.
Proverbs 20:26A wise King scattereth the wicked, and causeth the wheele to turne ouer them.
Proverbs 31:8Open thy mouth for the domme in the cause of all the children of destruction.
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 →