³ For rulers are not a terror^(A) to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the one in authority? Do what is good, and you will have its approval.

⁴ For it is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, because it does not carry the sword for no reason. For it is God’s servant, an avenger^(A) that brings wrath on the one who does wrong.

⁸ For if I boast a little too much about our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up^(A) and not for tearing you down, I will not be put to shame.