¹⁴ or to governors as those he commissions^[a] to punish wrongdoers and praise^[b] those who do good.

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^[a] does not bear the sword for nothing. It is God’s servant to administer punishment on the person who does wrong.