Romans 13:2-4

New English Translation

² So the person who resists such authority^[a] resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will incur judgment ³ (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 ⁴ because it is God’s servant for your well-being. But be afraid if you do wrong because government^[b] does not bear the sword for nothing. It is God’s servant to administer punishment on the person who does wrong.