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Romans 13:3–4
For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same (Rom. 13:3).
In Romans 13:2, Paul indicates that one of the reasons we should submit to legitimate governing authorities is that failure to do so will bring judgment from God, who establishes all human authorities. In today’s passage, Paul points out a second reason for submission—the human authorities also have the ability to judge the rebellious.
The apostle uses some strange terms in this passage. First, he refers to the governing authority as “God’s minister” (v. 4). This takes us back to the truth Paul taught in verse 1, that all human authorities are appointed by God. His use of the term minister tells us that leaders and officials are acting on behalf of God in a role He Himself has delegated to them (though they may not know it). They are to minister good to those under their charge, ensuring peace, security, liberty, justice, and all the other benefits that government is designed to provide. Ideally, those who submit to the authorities have nothing to fear from them. Indeed, the government should even recognize and “praise” those who prove themselves to be model citizens.
But there is another side to this coin, and that brings us to the second strange term Paul uses: “the sword.” When the apostle says that government “does not bear the sword in vain,” he is saying that it possesses means to enforce its dictates. Dr. James M. Boice notes that every government, even the most benevolent, is based on force to a degree. This is true, of course, because the governed are fallen people with a propensity toward evil. Thus, God has granted coercive powers to human authorities to enable them to “execute wrath on,” or to punish, those who violate the laws of the land. We know this is a proper role for government because Paul again refers to it as “God’s minister” in the context of retribution. The same minister who does good to those who do good also brings wrath upon those who do evil. Such retribution ought to be strong enough to strike fear in the hearts of those who do evil (or contemplate it).
Boice points out that no authority is free to use its “sword” as it sees fit. Ideally, governmental force is to be wielded in defense of laws that conform to God’s law. Human authorities are to be a “terror” not to those who do good (obey God) but to those who do evil. When the good face this terror, the time for civil disobedience has arrived.
Coram Deo Living before the face of God
Modern governments give us many reasons to distrust them, but we must not forget that government is given by God to minister good to people. Reflect today on ways in which your life is better because of the governments under which you live. Thank God for these governments and pray that He will cause them to wield their power justly.
For Further Study
- 2 Samuel 23:3
- Psalm 82:3–4
- Proverbs 8:15–16
- Isaiah 49:23