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Romans 13:4Rom.13.4

For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to [execute] wrath upon him that doeth evil.

KJV

Greek original

Translations

Louis Segond 1910

Le magistrat est serviteur de Dieu pour ton bien. Mais si tu fais le mal, crains; car ce n'est pas en vain qu'il porte l'épée, étant serviteur de Dieu pour exercer la vengeance et punir celui qui fait le mal.

KJV

For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to [execute] wrath upon him that doeth evil.

Patristic reading

3
  • Pacian of Barcelona

    Three Letters to Sympronianus

    y? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same; for he is God's servant to you for good (Romans 13:3-4). And yet I have complained about no one, nor have I been avenged by anyone. I do not think the Novatians are a hindrance to me, whose small number and weakness I co…
  • Pacian of Barcelona

    Three Letters to Sympronianus

    ood, and you will receive approval from it through the Lord: For he is God's servant for your good. (Romans 13:3-4) And yet I did not complain about anyone, nor was I avenged by anyone. Nor do I think that the Novatians hinder me, whose insignificance and shortcomings I could boa…
  • Thomas Aquinas

    Summa Theologica

    inflicts punishment in order to withdraw men from sin, it is acting as God's minister, according to Rom. 13:4 , "For he is God's minister, an avenger to execute wrath upon him that doth evil." To fear the secular power in this way is part, not of worldly fear, but of servile or i…

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