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For rulers are not a terror to the good work, but to the evil. Do you desire to have no fear of the authority? Do that which is good, and you will have praise from the same,
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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Romans
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8
18th Century
Presbyterian
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…
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…
19th Century
Anglican
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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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…
16th Century
Protestant
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…
17th Century
Reformed Baptist
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…
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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…
13th Century
Catholic
After showing how a person should behave toward God by using the gifts of His grace, the Apostle now shows how a person should conduct hi…
