What does Romans 13:3 mean?
"For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:" - Romans 13:3
Romans 13:3 in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible states, "For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same." This verse is part of a larger passage in the book of Romans where the apostle Paul is addressing the role of the government and its authority.
The verse speaks to the nature of authority and the responsibility of rulers to govern with justice and fairness. It highlights the idea that rulers should not be a source of fear for those who do good, but rather a source of praise and approval. This reflects the broader biblical principle of the authority being established by God to promote righteousness and order in society.
The context of this verse is important in understanding its significance. In the preceding verses, Paul instructs believers to obey the governing authorities, as they have been established by God. He stresses the importance of submitting to authority and paying taxes, as a way to honor and respect the government and its role in maintaining order. This passage was particularly relevant to the early Christian community, which faced persecution and oppression from the Roman authorities.
The theme of this passage revolves around the Christian perspective on government and authority. It emphasizes the idea that human authority is ultimately established by God, and therefore, it should be respected and obeyed. The passage also serves as a reminder to Christians that they are called to be good citizens, contributing to the welfare and peace of society.
The symbolism in this verse lies in the juxtaposition of good and evil, fear and praise. It presents a contrast between the actions of those who do good and those who do evil, and their respective attitudes toward authority. The verse also conveys the idea that the role of the government is to uphold goodness and justice, and therefore, it should not be a source of fear for those who are righteous.
In a broader theological context, this verse points to the biblical concept of God's sovereignty over human authority. It suggests that even the rulers and governments are subject to God's ultimate authority, and therefore, they should govern in accordance with His principles of justice and righteousness. This perspective serves as a source of comfort and assurance for believers, especially in the face of unjust or oppressive rulers.
In summary, Romans 13:3 in the King James Version of the Bible conveys the message of respect for authority and the importance of governing with justice and fairness. It emphasizes the need for believers to be good citizens and contribute to the welfare of society, while also recognizing the ultimate authority of God over human rulers. The verse carries a powerful theological and practical significance, offering guidance for Christians in their relationship with the government and in their commitment to promoting righteousness and peace in the world.
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Romans 13:3 - "For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:"
Romans 13:3-4 - "For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? Do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil."
"For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:" - Romans 13:3
"For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? Do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil." - Romans 13:3-4
Romans 3:13 - "Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips:"
"Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips:" - Romans 3:13
Romans 13:8
Romans 13:8
Romans 10:13-15
Romans 13:13 - "Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying."
Romans 4:3
Romans 3:24
Romans 12:13 - "Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality."
Romans 3:16 - "Destruction and misery are in their ways:"
Romans 16:13 - "Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine."
depict the theme of Romans 13:8-14
Romans 3:17 - "And the way of peace have they not known:"
Romans 3:15 - "Their feet are swift to shed blood:"
Romans 3:10 - "As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:"
Romans 3:18 - "There is no fear of God before their eyes."
Romans 10:13 - "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."
Romans 5:13 - "(For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law."
Romans 3:3 - "For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?"
Romans 3:14 - "Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness:"
Romans 13:10 - "Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law."
Romans 2:13 - "(For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified."
Romans 9:13 - "As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated."
Combine the authority theme described in Romans 13:1-7 and Revelation 13:1-10.
Romans 13:5 - "Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake."
Romans 3:11 - "There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God."