Romans 13:4

The Passion Translation

Those in authority are God’s servants for the good of society. But if you break the law, you have reason to be alarmed, for they are God’s agents of punishment to bring criminals to justice. Why do you think they carry weapons?

Cross References

Proverbs 16:14

The anger of a king releases the messenger of death, but a wise person will know how to pacify his wrath.

Proverbs 20:2

The rage of a king is like the roar of a lion. Do you really want to go and make him angry?

Proverbs 20:26

A wise king is able to discern corruption and remove wickedness from his kingdom.

Proverbs 20:8

A righteous king sits on his judgment seat. He scatters evil away from his kingdom by his wise discernment.

Isaiah 1:17

Learn what it means to do what is good by seeking righteousness and justice! Rescue the oppressed. Uphold the rights of the fatherless and defend the widow’s cause.

Jeremiah 5:28

fat and prosperous. Indeed, their wickedness knows no bounds. There is no true justice in their judgments— they neither stand up for the rights of the orphans, nor help the needy receive their fair portion.

Ezekiel 22:27

Within the land are leaders who are like a pack of wolves who rip apart their prey, shed blood, and kill people to get money dishonestly.

Ezekiel 25:14

I will use my people Israel to take my vengeance on Edom. My people will treat Edom as my furious anger demands, and they will realize that this is my vengeance! I, Lord Yahweh, have spoken.’ ”

Romans 12:19

Beloved, don’t be obsessed with taking revenge, but leave that to God’s righteous justice. For the Scriptures say: “Vengeance is mine, and I will repay,” says the Lord.

Romans 13:6

This is also the reason you pay your taxes, for governmental authorities are God’s officials who oversee these things.

1 Thessalonians 4:6

Never take selfish advantage of a brother or sister in this matter, for we’ve already told you and solemnly warned you that the Lord is the avenger in all these things.

Joshua 20:5

When the one looking for revenge comes after him, the leaders of the city must protect him and not hand him over, for he killed the person accidentally and without premeditation.

Joshua 20:9

These were the designated cities of refuge. Any Israelite or any foreigner living among them who had accidentally killed someone could run to one of these cities for protection. He could live there safely until he had a fair trial, and unless he had been proven guilty, he could not be killed by the one seeking revenge.

1 Peter 2:14

or the governors he puts in place to punish lawbreakers and to praise those who do what’s right.