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Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. <a href="/nlt/romans/13.htm">New Living Translation</a> For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you. <a href="/esv/romans/13.htm">English Standard Version</a> For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, <a href="/bsb/romans/13.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the one in authority? Then do what is right, and you will have his approval. <a href="/blb/romans/13.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Now do you desire not to fear the authority? Do the good, and you will have praise from him. <a href="/kjv/romans/13.htm">King James Bible</a> 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: <a href="/nkjv/romans/13.htm">New King James Version</a> For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. <a href="/nasb_/romans/13.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; <a href="/nasb/romans/13.htm">NASB 1995</a> For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; <a href="/nasb77/romans/13.htm">NASB 1977 </a> For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same; <a href="/lsb/romans/13.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of that authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same; <a href="/amp/romans/13.htm">Amplified Bible</a> For [civil] authorities are not a source of fear for [people of] good behavior, but for [those who do] evil. Do you want to be unafraid of authority? Do what is good and you will receive approval and commendation. <a href="/csb/romans/13.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the one in authority? Do what is good, and you will have its approval. <a href="/hcsb/romans/13.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have its approval. <a href="/asv/romans/13.htm">American Standard Version</a> For rulers are not a terror to the good work, but to the evil. And wouldest thou have no fear of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise from the same: <a href="/cev/romans/13.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Rulers are a threat to evil people, not to good people. There is no need to be afraid of the authorities. Just do right, and they will praise you for it. <a href="/erv/romans/13.htm">English Revised Version</a> For rulers are not a terror to the good work, but to the evil. And wouldest thou have no fear of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise from the same: <a href="/gwt/romans/13.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> People who do what is right don't have to be afraid of the government. But people who do what is wrong should be afraid of it. Would you like to live without being afraid of the government? Do what is right, and it will praise you. <a href="/gnt/romans/13.htm">Good News Translation</a> For rulers are not to be feared by those who do good, but by those who do evil. Would you like to be unafraid of those in authority? Then do what is good, and they will praise you, <a href="/isv/romans/13.htm">International Standard Version</a> For the authorities are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you like to live without being afraid of the authorities? Then do what is right, and you will receive their approval. <a href="/msb/romans/13.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the one in authority? Then do what is right, and you will have his approval. <a href="/net/romans/13.htm">NET Bible</a> (for rulers cause no fear for good conduct but for bad). Do you desire not to fear authority? Do good and you will receive its commendation, <a href="/nheb/romans/13.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> For rulers are not a terror to the good work, but to the evil. Do you desire to have no fear of the authority? Do that which is good, and you will have praise from the same, <a href="/wbt/romans/13.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> 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 from the same: <a href="/wey/romans/13.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> For judges and magistrates are to be feared not by right-doers but by wrong-doers. You desire--do you not? --to have no reason to fear your ruler. Well, do the thing that is right, and then he will commend you. <a href="/web/romans/13.htm">World English Bible</a> For rulers are not a terror to the good work, but to the evil. Do you desire to have no fear of the authority? Do that which is good, and you will have praise from the authority, <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/romans/13.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> For those ruling are not a terror to the good works, but to the evil; and do you wish to not be afraid of the authority? Be doing that which is good, and you will have praise from it, <a href="/blb/romans/13.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Now do you desire not to fear the authority? Do the good, and you will have praise from him. <a href="/ylt/romans/13.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> For those ruling are not a terror to the good works, but to the evil; and dost thou wish not to be afraid of the authority? that which is good be doing, and thou shalt have praise from it, <a href="/slt/romans/13.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> For rulers are not the terror of good works, but of evil. And wilt thou not fear the power do good, and thou shalt have approbation of it:<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/romans/13.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> For princes are not a terror to the good work, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? Do that which is good: and thou shalt have praise from the same. <a href="/cpdv/romans/13.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> For leaders are not a source of fear to those who work good, but to those who work evil. And would you prefer not to be afraid of authority? Then do what is good, and you shall have praise from them. <a href="/nabre/romans/13.htm">New American Bible</a> For rulers are not a cause of fear to good conduct, but to evil. Do you wish to have no fear of authority? Then do what is good and you will receive approval from it, <a href="/nrsvce/romans/13.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you wish to have no fear of the authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive its approval;<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/romans/13.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> For judges are not a menace to good works, but to evil. Now if you do not wish to be afraid of the authority, then do good, and you will be praised for it. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/romans/13.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> For judges are not a fear to the good doer, but to the wicked. Do you wish, therefore, to be unafraid of the authority? Do good, and you shall have praise from him.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/romans/13.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> For rulers are not a terror to works that are good, but to those which are evil. Will you, then, not be afraid of the authority? Do that which is good, and you shall receive praise from the same. <a href="/godbey/romans/13.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> For rulers are not a terror to the good work, but to the evil. Whether do you not wish to fear the authority? do the good, and you shall have praise from it: <a href="/haweis/romans/13.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? Do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise from it: <a href="/mace/romans/13.htm">Mace New Testament</a> rulers are not a terror to virtue, but to vice, would you then live without any dread of the civil power? do what is right, and you shall have his commendation. <a href="/wey/romans/13.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> For judges and magistrates are to be feared not by right-doers but by wrong-doers. You desire--do you not? --to have no reason to fear your ruler. Well, do the thing that is right, and then he will commend you. <a href="/worrell/romans/13.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> for rulers are not a terror to the good work, but to the evil. And do you wish not to fear the authority? Do that which is good, and you shall have praise from the same; <a href="/worsley/romans/13.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wouldest thou then not be afraid of the civil power? do what is good, and thou shalt have praise from it: <a href="/parallel/romans/13-3.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KIZs4GUMn-g?start=3215" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/romans/13.htm">Submission to Authorities</a> …2Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3<a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.">For</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hoi (Art-NMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/758.htm" title="758: archontes (N-NMP) -- Present participle of archo; a first.">rulers</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: eisin (V-PIA-3P) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">are</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">not</a> <a href="/greek/5401.htm" title="5401: phobos (N-NMS) -- (a) fear, terror, alarm, (b) the object or cause of fear, (c) reverence, respect. From a primary phebomai; alarm or fright.">a terror</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/18.htm" title="18: agathō (Adj-DNS) -- A primary word; good.">to good</a> <a href="/greek/2041.htm" title="2041: ergō (N-DNS) -- From a primary ergo; toil; by implication, an act.">conduct,</a> <a href="/greek/235.htm" title="235: alla (Conj) -- But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.">but</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2556.htm" title="2556: kakō (Adj-DNS) -- Bad, evil, in the widest sense. Apparently a primary word; worthless, i.e. depraved, or injurious.">to bad.</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/2309.htm" title="2309: theleis (V-PIA-2S) -- To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. ">Do you want</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether."></a> <a href="/greek/5399.htm" title="5399: phobeisthai (V-PNM/P) -- From phobos; to frighten, i.e. to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e. Revere.">to be unafraid</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">of the</a> <a href="/greek/1849.htm" title="1849: exousian (N-AFS) -- From exesti; privilege, i.e. force, capacity, competency, freedom, or mastery, delegated influence.">one in authority?</a> <a href="/greek/4160.htm" title="4160: poiei (V-PMA-2S) -- (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.">Then do</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-ANS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">what is</a> <a href="/greek/18.htm" title="18: agathon (Adj-ANS) -- A primary word; good.">right,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/2192.htm" title="2192: hexeis (V-FIA-2S) -- To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.">you will have</a> <a href="/greek/1537.htm" title="1537: ex (Prep) -- From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out."></a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autēs (PPro-GF3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">his</a> <a href="/greek/1868.htm" title="1868: epainon (N-AMS) -- Commendation, praise, approval. From epi and the base of aineo; laudation; concretely, a commendable thing.">approval.</a> 4For he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not carry the sword in vain. He is God’s servant, an agent of retribution to the wrongdoer.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/1_peter/2-13.htm">1 Peter 2:13-14</a> Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to the king as the supreme authority, / or to governors as those sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right. <a href="/proverbs/21-15.htm">Proverbs 21:15</a> Justice executed is a joy to the righteous, but a terror to the workers of iniquity. <a href="/1_timothy/1-9.htm">1 Timothy 1:9</a> We realize that law is not enacted for the righteous, but for the lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinful, for the unholy and profane, for killers of father or mother, for murderers, <a href="/titus/3-1.htm">Titus 3:1</a> Remind the believers to submit to rulers and authorities, to be obedient and ready for every good work, <a href="/1_peter/3-13.htm">1 Peter 3:13</a> Who can harm you if you are zealous for what is good? <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-2.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:2-5</a> Keep the king’s command, I say, because of your oath before God. / Do not hasten to leave his presence, and do not persist in a bad cause, for he will do whatever he pleases. / For the king’s word is supreme, and who can say to him, “What are you doing?” ... <a href="/proverbs/24-21.htm">Proverbs 24:21-22</a> My son, fear the LORD and the king, and do not associate with the rebellious. / For they will bring sudden destruction. Who knows what ruin they can bring? <a href="/acts/5-29.htm">Acts 5:29</a> But Peter and the other apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men. <a href="/daniel/3-16.htm">Daniel 3:16-18</a> Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. / If the God whom we serve exists, then He is able to deliver us from the blazing fiery furnace and from your hand, O king. / But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden statue you have set up.” <a href="/daniel/6-10.htm">Daniel 6:10-23</a> Now when Daniel learned that the document had been signed, he went into his house, where the windows of his upper room opened toward Jerusalem, and three times a day he got down on his knees, prayed, and gave thanks to his God, just as he had done before. / Then these men went as a group and found Daniel petitioning and imploring his God. / So they approached the king and asked about his royal decree: “Did you not sign a decree that for thirty days any man who petitions any god or man except you, O king, will be thrown into the den of lions?” The king replied, “According to the law of the Medes and Persians the order stands, and it cannot be repealed.” ... <a href="/matthew/22-21.htm">Matthew 22:21</a> “Caesar’s,” they answered. So Jesus told them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” <a href="/luke/20-25.htm">Luke 20:25</a> So Jesus told them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” <a href="/acts/4-19.htm">Acts 4:19</a> But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to listen to you rather than God. <a href="/jeremiah/29-7.htm">Jeremiah 29:7</a> Seek the prosperity of the city to which I have sent you as exiles. Pray to the LORD on its behalf, for if it prospers, you too will prosper.” <a href="/1_samuel/24-6.htm">1 Samuel 24:6</a> So he said to his men, “The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD’s anointed. May I never lift my hand against him, since he is the LORD’s anointed.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Will you then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and you shall have praise of the same:rulers.<a href="/romans/13-4.htm">Romans 13:4</a> For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.<a href="/deuteronomy/25-1.htm">Deuteronomy 25:1</a> If there be a controversy between men, and they come unto judgment, that the judges may judge them; then they shall justify the righteous, and condemn the wicked.<a href="/proverbs/14-35.htm">Proverbs 14:35</a> The king's favour is toward a wise servant: but his wrath is against him that causeth shame.Wilt.<a href="/1_peter/2-13.htm">1 Peter 2:13,14</a> Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; … <a href="/1_peter/3-13.htm">1 Peter 3:13,14</a> And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? … <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/romans/11-20.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/romans/2-15.htm">Approval</a> <a href="/romans/13-2.htm">Authority</a> <a href="/romans/9-11.htm">Bad</a> <a href="/romans/8-1.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/romans/5-8.htm">Commend</a> <a href="/romans/6-21.htm">Conduct</a> <a href="/romans/11-25.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/romans/12-21.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/romans/11-25.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/acts/16-38.htm">Feared</a> <a href="/romans/11-29.htm">Free</a> <a href="/romans/12-21.htm">Good</a> <a href="/romans/12-9.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/romans/2-27.htm">Judges</a> <a href="/acts/17-8.htm">Magistrates</a> <a href="/romans/13-2.htm">Power</a> <a href="/romans/7-25.htm">Praise</a> <a href="/romans/13-2.htm">Reason</a> <a href="/romans/13-2.htm">Receive</a> <a href="/romans/12-17.htm">Right</a> <a href="/romans/13-2.htm">Ruler</a> <a href="/romans/13-1.htm">Rulers</a> <a href="/romans/8-15.htm">Terror</a> <a href="/romans/11-22.htm">Wilt</a> <a href="/romans/12-11.htm">Work</a> <a href="/romans/11-6.htm">Works</a> <a href="/romans/5-14.htm">Wrong</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/romans/13-4.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/romans/14-3.htm">Approval</a> <a href="/romans/13-5.htm">Authority</a> <a href="/romans/14-4.htm">Bad</a> <a href="/romans/13-6.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/romans/14-18.htm">Commend</a> <a href="/romans/13-13.htm">Conduct</a> <a href="/romans/15-23.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/romans/13-4.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/romans/13-4.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/5-11.htm">Feared</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-8.htm">Free</a> <a href="/romans/13-4.htm">Good</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/11-2.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-15.htm">Judges</a> <a href="/titus/3-1.htm">Magistrates</a> <a href="/romans/14-4.htm">Power</a> <a href="/romans/14-6.htm">Praise</a> <a href="/romans/13-6.htm">Reason</a> <a href="/romans/14-1.htm">Receive</a> <a href="/romans/13-5.htm">Right</a> <a href="/romans/15-12.htm">Ruler</a> <a href="/romans/13-6.htm">Rulers</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/5-11.htm">Terror</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-6.htm">Wilt</a> <a href="/romans/13-6.htm">Work</a> <a href="/romans/13-10.htm">Works</a> <a href="/romans/13-4.htm">Wrong</a><div class="vheading2">Romans 13</div>1. <a href="/romans/13-1.htm">Subjection, and many other duties, we owe to the authorities.</a> 8. <a href="/romans/13-8.htm">Love is the fulfillment of the law.</a> 11. <a href="/romans/13-11.htm">The acts of darkness are out of season in the time of the Gospel.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/romans/13.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/romans/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/romans/13.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. This phrase highlights the role of government as ordained by God to maintain order and justice. Biblically, rulers are seen as God's servants (<a href="/romans/13-4.htm">Romans 13:4</a>) to promote good and restrain evil. Historically, the Roman government, under which Paul wrote, was known for its legal system and enforcement of laws. The idea is that a just government should not instill fear in those who do good but should be a deterrent to those who do evil. This aligns with <a href="/proverbs/20-8.htm">Proverbs 20:8</a>, which speaks of a king who sits on the throne of judgment, scattering evil with his eyes.Do you want to be unafraid of the one in authority? This rhetorical question encourages self-reflection on one's relationship with authority. In the cultural context of the Roman Empire, where authority was absolute and often harsh, this question would prompt believers to consider their actions and attitudes towards those in power. The Bible consistently teaches respect for authority (<a href="/1_peter/2-13.htm">1 Peter 2:13-14</a>), emphasizing that fear is unnecessary when one lives righteously. This principle is timeless, encouraging believers to live in a way that aligns with both divine and human laws.Then do what is right, and you will have his approval. This phrase underscores the biblical principle of sowing and reaping (<a href="/galatians/6-7.htm">Galatians 6:7</a>). By doing what is right, believers align themselves with God's will and the laws of the land, which generally leads to approval and peace. The historical context of early Christians, who were often persecuted, adds depth to this instruction, as it reassures them that righteous living is ultimately recognized and rewarded by God, if not always by human authorities. This echoes the teachings of Jesus in <a href="/matthew/5-16.htm">Matthew 5:16</a>, where good deeds are meant to glorify God and gain favor with others.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a> The author of the Book of Romans, Paul was a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and theological teachings. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_roman_church.htm">The Roman Church</a> The recipients of the letter, the early Christian community in Rome, who were navigating their faith under Roman rule. 3. <a href="/topical/r/roman_authorities.htm">Roman Authorities</a> The governing bodies and rulers of the Roman Empire during the time of Paul's writing, known for their power and influence over the regions they controlled.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/u/understanding_authority.htm">Understanding Authority</a> Recognize that God establishes authorities for the purpose of maintaining order and justice. This understanding should lead to respect and submission to lawful authority. <a href="/topical/c/conduct_and_consequences.htm">Conduct and Consequences</a> Good conduct generally leads to approval from authorities, while bad conduct invites punishment. This principle encourages believers to live righteously. <a href="/topical/f/fear_and_freedom.htm">Fear and Freedom</a> Living in accordance with God's standards frees believers from fear of earthly authorities, as they align themselves with what is right. <a href="/topical/r/role_of_government.htm">Role of Government</a> Governments are instituted by God to restrain evil and promote good. Christians are called to support and pray for their leaders, seeking the welfare of their communities. <a href="/topical/c/christian_witness.htm">Christian Witness</a> By doing what is right, Christians not only gain approval from authorities but also serve as a testimony to the transformative power of the Gospel.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_romans_13.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Romans 13</a> <a href="/q/why_do_some_rulers_act_against_romans_13_3.htm">If Romans 13:3 claims rulers promote good and punish bad, why have some historical governments done the opposite without facing apparent divine judgment? </a> <a href="/q/how_does_1_cor_6_1-8_align_with_secular_courts.htm">How can Paul’s prohibition of lawsuits among believers (1 Corinthians 6:1–8) align with modern justice systems that rely on secular courts? </a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_christians_in_govt.htm">What does the Bible say about Christians in government?</a> <a href="/q/nero's_historical_impact.htm">What is Nero's historical significance?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/romans/13.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(3) To good works.--Literally, to the good work, as if it were personified. Human law can only take account of that which is actually done, not of the intention.In this and the following verse it is clearly the ideal aspect of the magistracy that the Apostle has in view. So Bishop Butler, in the paragraph next to that just quoted, continues: "If it be objected that good actions, and such as are beneficial to society, are often punished, as in the case of persecution and in other cases, and that ill and mischievous actions are often rewarded, it may be answered distinctly: first, that this is in no sort necessary, and consequently not natural, in the sense in which it is necessary and therefore natural, that ill or mischievous actions should be punished; and in the next place, that good actions are never punished considered as beneficial to society, nor ill actions rewarded under the view of their being hurtful to it. So that it stands good . . . that the Author of Nature has as truly directed that vicious actions, considered as mischievous to society, should be punished, and put mankind under a necessity of punishing them, as He has directed and necessitated us to preserve our lives by food." Occasional failures of justice on the part of the executive do not make the strict administration of justice any the less its proper duty and office. <a href="/commentaries/romans/13-3.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>For γὰρ (gar) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1063.htm">Strong's 1063: </a> For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason. rulers ἄρχοντες (archontes) Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_758.htm">Strong's 758: </a> Present participle of archo; a first. are εἰσὶν (eisin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. not οὐκ (ouk) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not. a terror φόβος (phobos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5401.htm">Strong's 5401: </a> (a) fear, terror, alarm, (b) the object or cause of fear, (c) reverence, respect. From a primary phebomai; alarm or fright. to good ἀγαθῷ (agathō) Adjective - Dative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_18.htm">Strong's 18: </a> A primary word; 'good'. conduct, ἔργῳ (ergō) Noun - Dative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2041.htm">Strong's 2041: </a> From a primary ergo; toil; by implication, an act. but ἀλλὰ (alla) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_235.htm">Strong's 235: </a> But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise. bad. κακῷ (kakō) Adjective - Dative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2556.htm">Strong's 2556: </a> Bad, evil, in the widest sense. Apparently a primary word; worthless, i.e. depraved, or injurious. Do you want θέλεις (theleis) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2309.htm">Strong's 2309: </a> To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. to be unafraid φοβεῖσθαι (phobeisthai) Verb - Present Infinitive Middle or Passive <a href="/greek/strongs_5399.htm">Strong's 5399: </a> From phobos; to frighten, i.e. to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e. Revere. of the τὴν (tēn) Article - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. one in authority? ἐξουσίαν (exousian) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1849.htm">Strong's 1849: </a> From exesti; privilege, i.e. force, capacity, competency, freedom, or mastery, delegated influence. [Then] do ποίει (poiei) Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4160.htm">Strong's 4160: </a> (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do. what [is] τὸ (to) Article - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. right, ἀγαθὸν (agathon) Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_18.htm">Strong's 18: </a> A primary word; 'good'. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. you will have ἕξεις (hexeis) Verb - Future Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2192.htm">Strong's 2192: </a> To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold. his αὐτῆς (autēs) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Feminine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. approval. ἔπαινον (epainon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1868.htm">Strong's 1868: </a> Commendation, praise, approval. From epi and the base of aineo; laudation; concretely, a commendable thing. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/romans/13-3.htm">Romans 13:3 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/romans/13-3.htm">Romans 13:3 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/romans/13-3.htm">Romans 13:3 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/romans/13-3.htm">Romans 13:3 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/romans/13-3.htm">Romans 13:3 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/romans/13-3.htm">Romans 13:3 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/romans/13-3.htm">Romans 13:3 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/romans/13-3.htm">Romans 13:3 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/romans/13-3.htm">Romans 13:3 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/romans/13-3.htm">Romans 13:3 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/romans/13-3.htm">NT Letters: Romans 13:3 For rulers are not a terror (Rom. Ro) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/romans/13-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Romans 13:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Romans 13:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/romans/13-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Romans 13:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Romans 13:4" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>