Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist, shall receive to themselves condemnation.

[a]For Magistrates are not to be feared for good works, but for evil. [b]Wilt thou then be without fear of the power? do well: so shalt thou have praise of the same.

For he is the minister of God for thy wealth: [c]but if thou do evil, fear: for he beareth not the sword for nought: for he is the minister of God to [d]take vengeance on him that doeth evil.

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Footnotes

  1. Romans 13:3 The third argument taken from the end wherefore they were made, which is most profitable: for that God by this means preserveth the good and bridleth the wicked: by which words the Magistrates themselves are put in mind of that duty which they owe to their subjects.
  2. Romans 13:3 An excellent way to bear this yoke, not only without grief, but also with great profit.
  3. Romans 13:4 God hath armed the Magistrate even with a revenging sword.
  4. Romans 13:4 By whom God revengeth the wicked.

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