Paul isn't just saying rulers punish bad people; he's highlighting that the ideal function of government is to promote good. So, the simple path to avoiding their "terror" isn't just avoiding crime, but actively pursuing what is "good," which earns not just safety but an official nod of approval.
For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is explaining why Christians should submit to governing authorities, building on the idea that these authorities are established by God. He argues that the purpose of government isn't to oppress good people, but to punish those who do wrong, and that a law-abiding citizen has nothing to fear from the state. By submitting to just laws and acting rightly, believers can live peacefully and even earn the commendation of those in power.
Paul says rulers aren't a terror to good conduct. But haven't we seen rulers who are? How can both be true?
The Apostle Paul, in Romans 13:3, describes the ideal purpose of civil authority. Rulers, by God's design, are meant to be a force for good, a shield for those who do right and a deterrent for those who do wrong.
We're told not to fear, but also to fear the power. How can we hold both these ideas at once?
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Paul introduces a nuanced perspective on 'fear' when it comes to civil authority in Romans 13:3. It's not about a paralyzing dread, but a healthy respect born from understanding the ruler's role.
Understand the original words
diakonos · Greek Noun
A religious or secular attendant who serves a master. In the Bible, it describes someone carrying out the will or mission of God.
machairan · Greek Noun
A lethal weapon used by state authorities, symbolizing the power of the state to execute justice, punish criminals, and preserve social order.
ekdikos · Greek Noun
One who executes justice or retribution against a wrongdoer. It describes the role of an authority in ensuring that justice is served.
orgē · Greek Noun
The righteous indignation of God against sin and evil. It is the necessary reaction of a holy God against all that opposes His will.
Paul is writing to Christians living under the Roman Empire, a system known for its power and potential for both order and persecution. His words about rulers being God's servants for good are meant to encourage submission, but he acknowledges the reality that this ideal isn't always perfectly met by earthly authorities, especially in light of potential future persecution.
c. AD 50-55— this verse
Paul writes Romans in Corinth
Paul writes his letter to the Roman church from Corinth, likely during his third missionary journey. He is addressing a diverse community facing pressures from Roman rule and internal tensions.
AD 41-54
Reign of Emperor Claudius
Claudius expelled Jews from Rome (c. AD 49) due to disturbances related to 'Chrestus,' possibly referring to Christ. This created an unstable environment for both Jewish and early Christian communities in the capital.
AD 54-68
Reign of Emperor Nero
Nero's reign began with apparent stability but later devolved into tyranny. Christians would later face severe persecution under him after the Great Fire of Rome in AD 64.
c. AD 64
Great Fire of Rome
A devastating fire swept through Rome. Emperor Nero blamed the Christians, initiating the first major state-sponsored persecution of the church.
This passage directly parallels Romans 13:3, stating that rulers are sent by God to punish wrongdoers and to praise those who do right, reinforcing the idea of civil authority's divinely ordained purpose.
Proverbs 8:15-16This passage speaks of wisdom (which is ultimately God's wisdom) being the source of kingly authority and righteous judgment, underscoring the divine origin and intended goodness of governing powers.
1 Timothy 2:1-2Here, Paul urges prayer for kings and all in authority, framing it as something good and pleasing to God, which aligns with the sentiment in Romans 13:3 that submission to good governance is beneficial for peace.
Deuteronomy 1:16-17This passage shows Moses instructing the judges to hear cases impartially and without fear of anyone, highlighting the principle that justice should be blind to status and focused solely on righteousness, a precursor to the idea that rulers should not be a terror to good conduct.
ellicottRomans 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:"
(3) To good works. —Literally, to the good work, as if it were personified. Human law can only take account of that which is actually done, not of the intention. In this and the following verse it is clearly the ideal aspect of the magistracy that the Apostle has in view. So Bishop Butler, in the paragraph next to th…
gillRomans 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:"
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 the neighbourhoods, towns, cities, and countries where they dwell. The apostle seems to anticipate an objection made against governors, as if there was something very terrible and formidable in them…
Paul isn't just saying rulers punish bad people; he's highlighting that the ideal function of government is to promote good. So, the simple path to avoiding their "terror" isn't just avoiding crime, but actively pursuing what is "good," which earns not just safety but an official nod of approval.
Paul is explaining why Christians should submit to governing authorities, building on the idea that these authorities are established by God. He argues that the purpose of government isn't to oppress good people, but to punish those who do wrong, and that a law-abiding citizen has nothing to fear from the state. By submitting to just laws and acting rightly, believers can live peacefully and even earn the commendation of those in power.
Paul is explaining why Christians should submit to governing authorities, building on the idea that these authorities are established by God. He argues that the purpose of government isn't to oppress good people, but to punish those who do wrong, and that a law-abiding citizen has nothing to fear from the state. By submitting to just laws and acting rightly, believers can live peacefully and even earn the commendation of those in power.
"For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid,…" — Paul isn't just saying rulers punish bad people; he's highlighting that the ideal function of government is to promote good. So, the simple path to avoiding their "terror" isn't just avoiding crime…
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Last reviewed October 2026
