Romans 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:

Romans 13:3 (KJV)

Context

The Apostle Paul wrote Romans as a letter to the Christians in Rome. In this section he teaches about the role of government and the believer’s relationship to it. He presents rulers as appointed by God to maintain order, protect the innocent, and punish evil.

Meaning

Paul states that rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. The “good works” here are civil in nature: behaving well in one’s neighborhood, obeying the laws, and living peaceably with others. Rulers are, and ought to be, a terror to those who harm their fellow creatures by abusing persons, defrauding them, or doing damage through illicit means. Such offenders are to be menaced with the penalty of the laws they break, both as punishment and as a warning to others.

Paul then asks a rhetorical question: if you do not want to be afraid of the power, do what is good, and you will have praise from the authority. This is a general truth, not an absolute promise. History shows that some rulers have persecuted the good. Yet it is generally true that the virtuous have nothing to fear from the laws, and it is universally true that God’s design in appointing rulers was not to oppress the good but to detect and punish evil.

The “power” refers to the civil magistrate in authority. To oppose him or refuse subjection is to break the laws he is appointed to enforce. The command to “do that which is good” is in a civil sense, between man and man, by complying with the laws of the land that are not contrary to the laws of God.

Application

Believers need not live in fear of governing authorities when they are law-abiding and righteous. While the passage does not promise praise from every ruler, obedient conduct aligns with God’s will and fosters peaceful relationships with civil leaders. Christians are called to be law-abiding citizens, to live uprightly, and to recognize government as an institution ordained by God for maintaining order.

Reflection

Romans 13:3 reminds us that our conduct matters. When we do good in our communities, we reflect God’s order and need not be afraid of those in power. This verse encourages us to live in obedience to God, trusting that He governs even through human authorities.