Verse of the Day
Author Spotlight
Loading featured author...
Report Issue
See a formatting issue or error?
Let us know →
for he is a servant of God to you for good. But if you do that which is evil, be afraid, for he doesn`t bear the sword in vain; for he is a minister of God, an avenger for wrath to him who does evil.
Verse Takeaways
1
Government's Divine Purpose
Commentators unanimously affirm that government is established by God as His "minister" or "servant." Its divine purpose is to serve the public good by protecting citizens' lives, rights, and property, and by restraining evil. This is not a power for the ruler's own interest, but a ministry for which the state is accountable to both God and its people.
See 3 Verse Takeaways
Book Overview
Romans
Author
Audience
Composition
Teaching Highlights
Outline
+ 5 more
See Overview
8
18th Century
Presbyterian
The minister of God. The servant of God. He is appointed by God to do his will, and to execute his purposes.
To you
A minister of God (θεου διακονος). General sense of διακονος. Of course even Nero was God's minister "to thee (σο ethical dative) …
19th Century
Anglican
The sword.—Not apparently the dagger worn by the Roman emperors, but, in a strict sense, “the sword.” “To bear the sword” seems to…
Consider supporting our work
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 he is God’s minister for good, etc. From this, magistrates may learn what their calling is, for they are not to rule for their own int…
17th Century
Reformed Baptist
For he is the minister of God to you for good He is a minister of God's appointing and commissioning, that acts unde…
Get curated content & updates
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…
