Romans 13:3

For rulers are no terror to good deeds, but to evil. Would you be fearless of the ruler’s authority? Do what is good, and you will have his praise.

Montgomery New Testament

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

2Therefore the man who rebels against authority is opposing the divine ordinances; and those who withstand will bring judgment on themselves.

4For the ruler is God’s minister appointed for your good. But if you are a wrong-doer, be afraid; he does not carry the sword to no purpose; he is God’s servant, appointed to vengeance upon the guilty.

Read all of Romans 13

Cross References

Romans 13:4For the ruler is God’s minister appointed for your good. But if you are a wrong-doer, be afraid; he does not carry the sword to no purpose; he is God’s servant, appointed to vengeance upon the guilty.

1 Peter 3:13Yet who will harm you if you become zealous for the 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 →

This Verse In Other Editions

Study Romans 13:3