Romans 13:2-4

Disciples’ Literal New Testament

²So then the one opposing^[a] the authority has resisted^[b] the ordinance^[c] of God. And the ones having resisted will receive^[d] judgment on themselves.

Rulers are God’s Servants To Reward Good And Punish Evil

³For the rulers are not a fear to good work, but to evil^[e]. Now do you want to not be fearing the authority? Be doing good, and you will have praise^[f] from him^[g]— ⁴for he is God’s servant to you for good. But if you are doing evil, be fearing! For he does not bear^[h] the sword in-vain^[i]— for he is God’s servant, an avenger for wrath on the one practicing evil.

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Footnotes

Romans 13:2 Or, setting himself against.
Romans 13:2 Or, stood against.
Romans 13:2 Or, decree, direction. The authority of government is God’s decree. Paul is commanding submission to this authority, however it is expressed in your nation. In some nations this includes active involvement in government; in others, citizens have little input.
Romans 13:2 That is, from God, whose decree you have resisted. Secondarily, from the authorities, if you are caught.
Romans 13:3 That is, civil evil, crime.
Romans 13:3 This is the general rule. Paul does not deal here with exceptions. Paul himself was persecuted for doing good, for proclaiming the gospel.
Romans 13:3 Or, it, the authority.
Romans 13:4 Or, wear.
Romans 13:4 That is, for no purpose. Governments have God’s authority to punish evil to the fullest extent, including death, and they serve God’s purposes in doing so. Governments exercise this authority through the police, the courts, and the military, in ways and means and degrees of their own choosing.

Disciples’ Literal New Testament (DLNT)

Disciples' Literal New Testament: Serving Modern Disciples by More Fully Reflecting the Writing Style of the Ancient Disciples, Copyright © 2011 Michael J. Magill. All Rights Reserved. Published by Reyma Publishing