This Week's Bible Reading

June 11, 2026

Romans 13:4-7
King James Version

“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.
5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.
7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.”

Context:

Paul wrote this during the reign of Nero. While Nero's later years were marked by brutal Christian persecution, the early part of his reign was relatively stable. Paul's focus here is on the ideal function of government (restraining evil and promoting good) rather than endorsing tyrannical abuse.

What is the meaning of Romans 13:4-7:

Romans 13:4–7 teaches that governing authorities are God appointed servants who maintain order, restrain wrongdoing, and deserve appropriate respect, taxes, and honor. Paul explains that submitting to lawful authority is part of a our obedience to God, as long as that authority is functioning within its God given role.

Verse 4: “For he is the minister of God to thee for good…”: Paul says rulers are God’s servants (“ministers”) whose purpose is to promote good and restrain evil. When they punish wrongdoing (“he beareth not the sword in vain”), they act as instruments of God’s justice. This doesn’t mean rulers are perfect—only that the role of government is divinely established.

Verse 5: “Wherefore ye must needs be subject…”: As believers, we submit to authority for two reasons:

• To avoid punishment
• For conscience’ sake—because honoring order honors God

Verse 6: “For for this cause pay ye tribute also…”: Taxes are part of how government carries out its God given work. Paul calls rulers “ministers of God” again, emphasizing that supporting civil order is a spiritual responsibility.

Verse 7: “Render therefore to all their dues…”: Paul lists four categories of what believers owe:

• Taxes — required government levies
• Custom — fees, tolls, or variable charges
• Fear — respectful acknowledgment of authority
• Honor — esteem for those in positions deserving it

This is not blind obedience; it is rightful obligation. Paul’s point is that Christians should be known for integrity, respect, and responsible citizenship.

• Government exists because God values order over chaos.
• Christians should be law abiding, respectful, and responsible.
• Paying taxes and showing honor are spiritual acts, not just civic duties.
• Respect for authority reflects trust in God’s sovereignty—even when leaders are imperfect.

This passage does not command support for injustice; it calls for us to uphold righteousness while living peaceably under authority.

In Summary:

In Romans 13:4–7, the Apostle Paul outlines the divine purpose of civil government; framing ruling authorities as "ministers of God" tasked with maintaining societal order by punishing evil and rewarding good. Because the state carries the legitimate authority to enforce justice—symbolized by the "sword"—Paul argues that Christians have a moral obligation to submit to the law, not just to avoid legal punishment, but as a matter of spiritual conscience. Ultimately, this duty requires us to responsibly fulfill our civic obligations, including paying taxes ("tribute" and "custom") and showing proper respect and honor to those in leadership.

References:

1) King James Bible Online. https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Romans-13-4/
2) God’s Blessing. https://godsbless.ing/commentary/romans/romans_13/
3) Christianity Path. https://christianitypath.com/romans-13-7/