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Verse Takeaways
1
God's Design for Government
Commentators agree that Paul is describing God's ideal purpose for government: to be a force for social order. Its God-ordained function is to punish evil actions and protect or 'praise' those who do good. This utility, which prevents societal chaos, is a primary reason Christians are called to submit to governing authorities.
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Book Overview
Romans
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Commentaries
7
Albert Barnes
On Romans 13:3
18th Century
Theologian
For rulers. The apostle here speaks of rulers in general. It may not be universally true that they are not a terror to good works…
AT Robertson
On Romans 13:3
A terror (φοβος). This meaning in Isa 8:13. Paul does not approve all that rulers do, but he is speaking generally of the ideal be…
Charles Ellicott
On Romans 13:3
19th Century
Bishop
To good works.—Literally, to the good work, as if it were personified. Human law can only take account of what is actuall…
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Expositor's Bible Commentary
On Romans 13:3
These verses constitute the most difficult portion of the passage, for they seem to take no account of the possibility that government may be tyran…
John Calvin
On Romans 13:3
16th Century
Theologian
For princes, etc. He now commends to us obedience to princes on the ground of utility; for the causative γὰρ, for, is to be refer…
John Gill
On Romans 13:3
17th Century
Pastor
For rulers are not a terror to good works
That is, to them that do good works in a civil sense; who behave well in t…
Matthew Henry
On Romans 13:1–7
17th Century
Minister
The grace of the gospel teaches us submission and quiet, where pride and the carnal mind only see causes for murmuring and discontent. Whatever the…