Romans 13:3
For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the one in authority? Then do what is right, and you will have his approval.
For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad
This phrase begins with the understanding that "rulers" (Greek: ἄρχοντες, archontes) are established by God to maintain order and justice. In the historical context of the Roman Empire, rulers were seen as God's instruments to promote peace and stability. The term "terror" (Greek: φόβος, phobos) implies fear or dread, suggesting that the primary role of government is to instill fear in those who do evil, not those who do good. "Good conduct" (Greek: ἀγαθός, agathos) refers to actions that align with God's moral law, while "bad" (Greek: κακός, kakos) denotes actions that are morally wrong or harmful. This dichotomy underscores the biblical principle that civil authorities are meant to reward righteousness and punish wickedness, reflecting God's justice.

Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority?
The rhetorical question "Do you want to be free from fear" challenges believers to consider their relationship with authority. The phrase "free from fear" (Greek: ἀφόβως, aphobos) suggests living without anxiety or dread regarding governmental power. "The one in authority" (Greek: ἐξουσία, exousia) refers to those who hold power, emphasizing the divine ordination of their role. Historically, this would resonate with early Christians who faced persecution, reminding them that righteous living aligns with God's order and thus should not provoke fear of just rulers.

Then do what is right, and you will have his approval
"Do what is right" (Greek: ποιεῖν τὸ ἀγαθόν, poiein to agathon) is a call to live according to God's standards, which transcends mere legal compliance. The promise of "approval" (Greek: ἔπαινος, epainos) from authorities suggests that righteous living generally leads to favor and commendation. This reflects the biblical principle that God blesses those who pursue justice and righteousness, and it encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty over human institutions. Historically, this would have been a powerful encouragement for Christians to maintain integrity and witness through their conduct, even under oppressive regimes.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul the Apostle
The author of the Book of Romans, Paul was a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and theological teachings.

2. The Roman Church
The recipients of the letter, the early Christian community in Rome, who were navigating their faith under Roman rule.

3. Roman Authorities
The governing bodies and rulers of the Roman Empire during the time of Paul's writing, known for their power and influence over the regions they controlled.
Teaching Points
Understanding Authority
Recognize that God establishes authorities for the purpose of maintaining order and justice. This understanding should lead to respect and submission to lawful authority.

Conduct and Consequences
Good conduct generally leads to approval from authorities, while bad conduct invites punishment. This principle encourages believers to live righteously.

Fear and Freedom
Living in accordance with God's standards frees believers from fear of earthly authorities, as they align themselves with what is right.

Role of Government
Governments are instituted by God to restrain evil and promote good. Christians are called to support and pray for their leaders, seeking the welfare of their communities.

Christian Witness
By doing what is right, Christians not only gain approval from authorities but also serve as a testimony to the transformative power of the Gospel.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding that God establishes authorities change your perspective on government and leadership?

2. In what ways can you actively demonstrate good conduct in your community to reflect your faith?

3. How can the principle of submitting to authorities be balanced with standing up for righteousness when laws or leaders contradict God's commands?

4. Reflect on a time when doing what is right led to approval or positive outcomes. How did this experience strengthen your faith?

5. How can you pray for and support your local and national leaders, even if you disagree with their policies or actions?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Peter 2:13-14
This passage also discusses submission to authorities, emphasizing that rulers are sent by God to punish those who do wrong and commend those who do right.

Proverbs 21:1
Highlights the sovereignty of God over rulers, suggesting that their hearts are in His hands, and He directs them as He pleases.

Titus 3:1
Encourages believers to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, and to be ready for every good work.
Submission to Constituted AuthorityS.R. Aldridge Romans 13:1-6
Christian Duties Towards Civil RulersW. Tyson.Romans 13:1-7
Christian SubmissionT.F. Lockyer Romans 13:1-7
CitizenshipR.M. Edgar Romans 13:1-7
Civil Government an Ordinance of GodE. P. Rogers, D.D.Romans 13:1-7
Earthly CitizenshipNewman Hall, D.D.Romans 13:1-7
Governors and SubjectsBp. Hoadley.Romans 13:1-7
Human AuthorityJ. Lyth, D.D.Romans 13:1-7
Human MagistracyD. Thomas, D.D.Romans 13:1-7
Law is the Shadow of God's JusticeCanon Liddon.Romans 13:1-7
Let Every Soul be Subject unto the Higher PowersRomans 13:1-7
Obedience to LawHomiletic MonthlyRomans 13:1-7
Obedience to Legal AuthorityRomans 13:1-7
Reverence for LawGeorge Dawson.Romans 13:1-7
St. Paul's Respect for Roman LawArchdeacon Farrar.Romans 13:1-7
Subjection to the Higher PowersJ. Lyth, D.D.Romans 13:1-7
The Christian as CitizenC.H. Irwin Romans 13:1-7
The Christian View of the StateL. R. Dalrymple.Romans 13:1-7
The Christian's Political RelationsJ. W. Kaye, M.A.Romans 13:1-7
The Duty and Obligations of Civil ObedienceJ. Sandys, A.M.Romans 13:1-7
The Effect of Religion on a Nation's GrandeurG. Croby, LL.D.Romans 13:1-7
ConscientiousnessRomans 13:3-6
Duty of the MagistrateA. Farindon, D.D.Romans 13:3-6
Honour to Whom Honour is DueScottish Christian HeraldRomans 13:3-6
Mistaken Clemency in Courts of JusticeHomiletic MonthlyRomans 13:3-6
Our DebtsJ. Donne, D.D.Romans 13:3-6
Subjection for Conscience' SakeT. Arnold, D.D.Romans 13:3-6
The Christian's Subjection to the Civil Authority IsJ. Lyth, D.D.Romans 13:3-6
The Duties of Rulers and SubjectsJ. Lyth, D.D.Romans 13:3-6
The Functions of the RulerJ. Lyth, D.D.Romans 13:3-6
The Ministry of Civil RulersF. D. Maurice, M.A.Romans 13:3-6
The Relative Duties of Rulers and SubjectsJ. Hoppus, LL.D.Romans 13:3-6
The Rights of the RulerJ. Lyth, D.D.Romans 13:3-6
The Sword the Symbol of Righteous AuthorityE. Johnson, M.A.Romans 13:3-6
Tribute and CustomJ. Knight.Romans 13:3-6
Why Shall We Pay TaxesJ. Lyth, D.D.Romans 13:3-6
People
Paul, Romans
Places
Rome
Topics
Afraid, Approval, Authority, Bad, Behavior, Cause, Commend, Conduct, Desire, Evil, Fear, Feared, Free, Hold, Judges, Magistrates, Power, Practise, Praise, Reason, Receive, Right-doers, Ruler, Rulers, Ruling, Terror, Wilt, Wish, Works, Wouldest, Wrong, Wrong-doers
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Romans 13:3

     5262   commendation
     5577   taxation
     5942   security

Romans 13:1-4

     5326   government
     5509   rulers
     8736   evil, warnings against

Romans 13:1-5

     6173   guilt, and God
     8241   ethics, basis of

Romans 13:1-6

     5700   headship

Romans 13:1-7

     5255   citizenship
     5370   kingship, human
     5542   society, positive
     5959   submission
     8310   morality, and creation

Romans 13:3-4

     5053   responsibility, for world
     6026   sin, judgment on
     6240   rape
     7346   death penalty
     8245   ethics, incentives

Romans 13:3-7

     5257   civil authorities

Library
November 23. "It is High Time to Awake Out of Sleep" (Rom. xiii. 11).
"It is high time to awake out of sleep" (Rom. xiii. 11). One of the greatest enemies to faith is indolence. It is much easier to lie and suffer than to rise and overcome; much easier to go to sleep on a snowbank and never wake again, than to rouse one's self and shake off the lethargy and overcome the stupor. Faith is an energetic art; prayer is intense labor; the effectual working prayer of the righteous man availeth much. Satan tries to put us to sleep, as he did the disciples in the garden; but
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

October 25. "Now it is High Time to Awake Out of Sleep. Let us Cast Off the Works of Darkness and Let us Put on the Armor of Light" (Rom. xiii. 11, 12).
"Now it is high time to awake out of sleep. Let us cast off the works of darkness and let us put on the armor of light" (Rom. xiii. 11, 12). Let us wake out of sleep; let us be alert; let us be alive to the great necessities that really concern us. Let us put off the garments of the night and the indulgences of the night; the loose robes of pleasure and flowing garments of repose; the festal pleasures of the hours of darkness are not for the children of the day. Let us cast off the works of darkness.
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
Text: Romans 13, 8-10. 8 Owe no man anything, save to love one another: for he that loveth his neighbor hath fulfilled the law. 9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not covet, and if there be any other commandment, it is summed up in this word, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. 10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbor; love therefore is the fulfilment of the law. CHRISTIAN LOVE AND THE COMMAND TO LOVE. 1. This, like the two
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II

Salvation Nearer
'... Now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.'--ROMANS xiii. 11. There is no doubt, I suppose, that the Apostle, in common with the whole of the early Church, entertained more or less consistently the expectation of living to witness the second coming of Jesus Christ. There are in Paul's letters passages which look both in the direction of that anticipation, and in the other one of expecting to taste death. 'We which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord,' he says twice in one
Alexander Maclaren—Romans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V)

The Soldier's Morning-Call
'Let us put on the armour of light.'--ROMANS xiii. 12. It is interesting to notice that the metaphor of the Christian armour occurs in Paul's letters throughout his whole course. It first appears, in a very rudimentary form, in the earliest of the Epistles, that to the Thessalonians. It appears here in a letter which belongs to the middle of his career, and it appears finally in the Epistle to the Ephesians, in its fully developed and drawn-out shape, at almost the end of his work. So we may fairly
Alexander Maclaren—Romans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V)

Love and the Day
'Owe no man anything, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. 9. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 10. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. 11. And that, knowing the time, that now
Alexander Maclaren—Romans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V)

1 Peter iv. 8
And above all things have fervent Charity among your selves: for Charity shall cover the multitude of Sins. THE Design which I am now prosecuting, obligeth me to take notice of such Passages of Scripture as any professed Christians may, on any Account, be apt to interpret to a very bad Purpose: that is, to the giving themselves Encouragement to hope for God's future Mercy; for the Sake of his Son: even whilst they continue in the habitual Practice of known Sins. And the Words which I have now read
Benjamin Hoadly—Several Discourses Concerning the Terms of Acceptance with God

The Beauty and Excellency of this World Consists, not Only in the Perfection and Comeliness...
The beauty and excellency of this world consists, not only in the perfection and comeliness of each part in it, but especially in the wise and wonderful proportion and union of these several parts. It is not the lineaments and colours that make the image or complete beauty, but the proportion and harmony of these, though different severally. And truly that is the wonder, that such repugnant natures, such different parts, and dissentient qualities, do conspire together in such an exact perfect unity
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Twenty-Seven Articles Respecting the Reformation of the Christian Estate.
Now though I am too lowly to submit articles that could serve for the reformation of these fearful evils, I will yet sing out my fool's song, and will show, as well as my wit will allow, what might and should be done by the temporal authorities or by a General Council. 1. Princes, nobles and cities should promptly forbid their subjects to pay the annates and should even abolish them altogether. For the Pope has broken the compact, and turned the annates into robbery for the harm and shame of the
Martin Luther—First Principles of the Reformation

The North African Church under the Vandals.
THE wild tribes of the Vandals--which, although outwardly professing Christianity, yet, instructed and guided by ignorant and fanatical priests, seem to have had no idea of its essence--overran North Africa, under their cruel and despotic king, Geiserich. A fanatical hatred to the confessors of another form of doctrine (the Vandals being the adherents of Arianism) was united with an insatiable avarice, for which it served as an apology. The depravity of the nominal Christians in the rich cities of
Augustus Neander—Light in the Dark Places

Letter Lxi (A. D. 1138) to Louis the Younger, King of the French.
To Louis the Younger, King of the French. He endeavours to defend the election of Geoffrey, Prior of Clairvaux, to the See of Langres; to which the King had appeared adverse. 1. If the whole world were to conjure me to join it in some enterprise against your royal Majesty, I should still through fear of God not dare lightly to offend a King ordained by Him. Nor am I ignorant who it is that has said, Whosoever resisteth the power resisteth the ordinance of God (Rom. xiii. 2). Nor yet do I forget how
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

A Sketch of the Life of St. Augustin.
It is a venturesome and delicate undertaking to write one's own life, even though that life be a masterpiece of nature and the grace of God, and therefore most worthy to be described. Of all autobiographies none has so happily avoided the reef of vanity and self-praise, and none has won so much esteem and love through its honesty and humility as that of St. Augustin. The "Confessions," which he wrote in the forty-fourth year of his life, still burning in the ardor of his first love, are full of the
St. Augustine—The Confessions and Letters of St

Concerning the Power of the Civil Magistrate in Matters Purely Religious, and Pertaining to the Conscience.
Concerning the Power of the Civil Magistrate in Matters purely Religious, and pertaining to the Conscience. Since God hath assumed to himself the power and Dominion of the Conscience, who alone can rightly instruct and govern it, therefore it is not lawful [1226] for any whosoever, by virtue of any authority or principality they bear in the government of this world, to force the consciences of others; and therefore all killing, banishing, fining, imprisoning, and other such things which are inflicted
Robert Barclay—Theses Theologicae and An Apology for the True Christian Divinity

That Sometimes Lighter vices are to be Left Alone, that More Grievous Ones May be Removed.
But since, when the sickness of two vices attacks a man, one presses upon him more lightly, and the other perchance more heavily, it is undoubtedly right to haste to the succour of that through which there is the more rapid tendency to death. And, if the one cannot be restrained from causing the death which is imminent unless the other which is contrary to it increase, the preacher must be content by skilful management in his exhortation to suffer one to increase, to the end that he may keep the
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

One Metaphor and Two Meanings
'I must work the works of Him that sent Me, while it is day: the night cometh when no man can work.'--JOHN ix. 4. 'The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.'--ROMANS xiii. 12. The contrast between these two sayings will strike you at once. Using the same metaphors, they apply them in exactly opposite directions. In the one, life is the day, and the state beyond death the night; in the other, life is the night,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

"If we Say that we have no Sin, we Deceive Ourselves, and the Truth is not in Us. "
1 John i. 8.--"If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us." "The night is far spent, the day is at hand," Rom. xiii. 12. This life is but as night, even to the godly. There is some light in it,--some star light, but it is mixed with much darkness of ignorance and sin, and so it will be, till the sun arise, and the morning of their translation to heaven come. But though it be called night in one sense, in regard of that perfect glorious perpetual day in heaven,
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

"Therefore, Brethren, we are Debtors, not to the Flesh, to Live after the Flesh,"
Rom. viii. 12.--"Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh," &c. All things in Christianity have a near and strait conjunction. It is so entire and absolute a piece, that if one link be loosed all the chain falls to the ground, and if one be well fastened upon the heart it brings all alongst with it. Some speak of all truths, even in nature, that they are knit so together that any truth may be concluded out of every truth, at least by a long circuit of deduction
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Concerning Christian Liberty
CHRISTIAN faith has appeared to many an easy thing; nay, not a few even reckon it among the social virtues, as it were; and this they do, because they have not made proof of it experimentally, and have never tasted of what efficacy it is. For it is not possible for any man to write well about it, or to understand well what is rightly written, who has not at some time tasted of its spirit, under the pressure of tribulation. While he who has tasted of it, even to a very small extent, can never write,
Martin Luther—First Principles of the Reformation

St. Augustine (Ad 354-430)
PART I The church in the north of Africa has hardly been mentioned since the time of St. Cyprian (Chapter VIII). But we must now look towards it again, since in the days of St. Chrysostom it produced a man who was perhaps the greatest of all the old Christian fathers--St. Augustine. Augustine was born at Thagaste, a city of Numidia, in the year 354. His mother, Monica, was a pious Christian, but his father, Patricius, was a heathen, and a man of no very good character. Monica was resolved to bring
J. C. Roberston—Sketches of Church History, from AD 33 to the Reformation

How Christ is to be Made Use Of, in Reference to the Killing and Crucifying of the Old Man.
Having thus shortly pointed out some things in general, serving to the clearing and opening up the way of our use-making of Christ for sanctification, we come now more particularly to the clearing up of this business. In sanctification we must consider, first, The renewing and changing of our nature and frame; and, next, The washing and purging away of our daily contracted spots. The first of these is commonly divided into two parts, viz. 1st, The mortification, killing, and crucifying of the
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

How to Use the Present Life, and the Comforts of It.
The divisions of this chapter are,--I. The necessity and usefulness of this doctrine. Extremes to be avoided, if we would rightly use the present life and its comforts, sec. 1, 2. II. One of these extremes, viz, the intemperance of the flesh, to be carefully avoided. Four methods of doing so described in order, sec. 3-6. 1. BY such rudiments we are at the same time well instructed by Scripture in the proper use of earthly blessings, a subject which, in forming a scheme of life, is by no mean to be
Archpriest John Iliytch Sergieff—On the Christian Life

The Holy Spirit Forming Christ Within Us.
It is a wonderful and deeply significant prayer that Paul offers in Eph. iii. 16-19 for the believers in Ephesus and for all believers who read the Epistle. Paul writes, "For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, that ye may be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inward man; that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; to the end that ye, being rooted and
R. A. Torrey—The Person and Work of The Holy Spirit

Concerning Christian Liberty
Christian faith has appeared to many an easy thing; nay, not a few even reckon it among the social virtues, as it were; and this they do because they have not made proof of it experimentally, and have never tasted of what efficacy it is. For it is not possible for any man to write well about it, or to understand well what is rightly written, who has not at some time tasted of its spirit, under the pressure of tribulation; while he who has tasted of it, even to a very small extent, can never write,
Martin Luther—Concerning Christian Liberty

Letter Lvii to the Duke and Duchess of Lorraine
To the Duke and Duchess of Lorraine [87] He thanks them for having hitherto remitted customs [or tolls, but asks that they will see that their princely liberality is not interfered with by the efforts of their servants. To the Duke and Duchess of Lorraine, Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux, sends greeting, and prays that they may so lovingly and purely rejoice in each other's affection that the love of Christ alone maybe supreme in them both. Ever since the needs of our Order obliged me to send for necessaries
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

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