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Romans 13:4-6
Disciples’ Literal New Testament
Romans 13:4-6
Disciples’ Literal New Testament
4 for he is God’s servant to you for good. But if you are doing evil, be fearing! For he does not bear[a] the sword in-vain[b]— for he is God’s servant, an avenger for wrath on the one practicing evil. 5 Therefore it is a necessity to be subject— not only because of the wrath[c], but also because of the conscience.
So Give Them Their Due
6 For because of this also you pay tributes[d]. For they are ministers[e] of God devoting-themselves to this very thing.
Read full chapterFootnotes
- Romans 13:4 Or, wear.
- Romans 13:4 That is, for no purpose. Governments have God’s authority to punish evil to the fullest extent, including death, and they serve God’s purposes in doing so. Governments exercise this authority through the police, the courts, and the military, in ways and means and degrees of their own choosing.
- Romans 13:5 We submit out of fear of God’s wrath expressed through government, and our own conscience toward God. Usually these are in agreement. In exceptional cases, which Paul does not address here, the conscience must be followed in spite of the threats from government.
- Romans 13:6 Taxes paid by foreigners to ruling states, such as that paid by Israel to Rome.
- Romans 13:6 Or, public servants. Note that Paul is talking about Rome, which conquered and subjugated his nation and took away their freedom and right of self-government.
Disciples’ Literal New Testament (DLNT) 
Disciples' Literal New Testament: Serving Modern Disciples by More Fully Reflecting the Writing Style of the Ancient Disciples, Copyright © 2011 Michael J. Magill. All Rights Reserved. Published by Reyma Publishing
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