What does "rulers are not a terror to good conduct" mean for Christians? Setting the Context Romans 13:3–4 “For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will have 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. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.” Key Phrase Explained • “Rulers” refers to governing authorities placed in office under God’s sovereign hand (Romans 13:1). • “Not a terror to good conduct” means that, in God’s intended order, civil authorities should not intimidate or harm those who behave righteously; their God-ordained role is to restrain evil and encourage virtue. • The verse speaks to the normal pattern of government, acknowledging that authorities function as God’s “servants” to reward good and punish evil. God’s Design for Government • Establish justice (Proverbs 16:12). • Promote peace so society can flourish (1 Timothy 2:1-2). • Protect the innocent and punish evildoers (1 Peter 2:13-14). When Government Rewards Good • Honest labor and fair business practices are protected. • Families and churches can gather without interference. • Citizens experience stability, giving space to “lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity” (1 Timothy 2:2). Practical Implications for Believers • Live honorably: good conduct removes cause for legitimate fear of authorities. • Pay taxes and respect laws that do not violate God’s commands (Romans 13:6-7). • Serve the community—acts of kindness align with the authority’s mandate to encourage good. • Pray for leaders so they carry out their God-given task rightly (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Balancing Obedience and Conscience • Scripture assumes rulers generally support what is right, yet acknowledges exceptions. • When authorities command what God forbids or forbid what God commands, believers must obey God (Acts 5:29). • Even in civil disobedience, maintain respect and accept consequences without violence (Daniel 3; Daniel 6). Other Scriptures That Echo the Principle • 1 Peter 2:13-15 — submission “for the Lord’s sake” because authorities punish evildoers and praise those who do right. • Titus 3:1 — “Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work.” • Proverbs 14:35 — “A king delights in a wise servant, but his anger falls on the disgraceful.” Living It Out Today • Cultivate a clear conscience: live transparently so nothing evil can rightly be charged against you. • Support laws and leaders that uphold biblical morality and justice. • Engage in civic life—vote, advocate, and serve—so government continues to reward good and restrain evil. • Trust God’s sovereignty: even imperfect rulers serve His larger purposes until Christ returns to reign perfectly. |
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