Romans 13:2-4

Legacy Standard Bible

² Therefore ^[a]whoever resists that authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. ³ For ^(A)rulers are not a cause of fear for ^[b]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; ⁴ for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword in vain, for it is a minister of God, an ^(B)avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil.