What does Romans 13:3-4 mean?

"Sure, here is the King James Version of 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." - Romans 13:3-4

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."

Romans 13:3-4 in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible reads: "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."

This passage from the book of Romans is a part of the larger context of the Bible. It comes after Paul's directive to the Roman Christians to be subject to the governing authorities because they are established by God for the purpose of maintaining order and justice. In verses 3 and 4, Paul explains further the role of rulers and their purpose in society.

The overarching theme of this passage is the concept of authority and its divine origin. Paul's message to the Romans is that Christians should submit to the governing authorities, recognizing their authority as ultimately coming from God. This is a powerful and radical statement, particularly in the context of the early Christian church, which was often persecuted by the Roman authorities. The idea of submitting to foreign rulers would have been challenging and controversial for many early Christians, and Paul's words are a call to humility and obedience.

The passage also addresses the purpose of rulers and their role in society. Paul argues that rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. He urges the Romans to do good, so that they may receive praise from the authorities. In this way, Paul is advocating for a harmonious relationship between the Christians and the governing authorities, based on mutual respect and cooperation.

Furthermore, Paul presents an important theological concept in these verses. He describes rulers as "ministers of God" and "revengers to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil." This language suggests that rulers are divinely appointed to fulfill the will of God by promoting good and punishing evil. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of God's sovereignty and the establishment of earthly authorities to carry out His divine plan.

The symbolism in these verses is profound and multi-layered. The "sword" mentioned in verse 4 is a symbol of the authority and power given to rulers to maintain order and justice. In the ancient world, the sword was a potent symbol of military might and the ability to enforce law and order. In this context, Paul is emphasizing the seriousness and power of the governing authorities, and the consequences of defying their authority.

Another symbolic element is the idea of rulers as "ministers of God." This metaphor positions rulers as spiritual agents of God, tasked with upholding righteousness and justice in society. It serves as a reminder that all earthly authority ultimately derives from God and should be respected as such.

In conclusion, Romans 13:3-4 is a rich and complex passage that addresses the idea of authority, the role of rulers, and the broader theological concept of divine sovereignty. Its message of submission, cooperation, and respect for earthly authorities is as relevant today as it was in the time of Paul. The passage challenges readers to reflect on their own relationship to authority and to consider the bigger picture of God's divine plan for justice and righteousness in the world.

Romans 13:3-4 Artwork

Romans 3:13 - "Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips:"

Romans 4:3 - "For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness."

Romans 4:13 - "For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith."

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 5:3-4 - "And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope."

depict the theme of Romans 13:8-14

romans 12: 4-5

Romans 3:16 - "Destruction and misery are in their ways:"

Combine the authority theme described in Romans 13:1-7 and Revelation 13:1-10.

Romans 12:13 - "Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality."

Romans 3:17 - "And the way of peace have they not known:"

Romans 4:4 - "Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt."

Romans 5:4 - "And patience, experience; and experience, hope:"

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 3:18 - "There is no fear of God before their eyes."

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 4:22 - "And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness."

Romans 3:3-4 - "For what if some were unfaithful? Will their unfaithfulness nullify God's faithfulness? Not at all! Let God be true, and every human being a liar. As it is written: "So that you may be proved right when you speak and prevail when you judge.""

Romans 3:14 - "Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness:"

Romans 3:4 - "God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged."

Romans 16:13 - "Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine."

Romans 13:4 - "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 4:13-14 - "For the promise to Abraham and his offspring that he would be heir of the world did not come through the law but through the righteousness of faith. For if it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null and the promise is void."

Romans 3:1 - "What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision?"

Romans 10:13 - "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."

Romans 3:3 - "For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?"

Romans 3:11 - "There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God."

Romans 4:8 - "Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin."