Romans 13:4 (WEB)
for he is a servant of God to you for good. But if you do that which is evil, be afraid, for he doesn’t bear the sword in vain; for he is a servant of God, an avenger for wrath to him who does evil.
Fathers and councils · 8
Tertullian
“Who would not prefer the justice of the world, which, as the apostle himself testifies, “beareth not the sword in vain,” and which is an institute of religion when it severely avenges in defence of human life?” — editor's note: Rom. xiii. 4.
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Irenaeus of Lyons
“For this cause pay ye tribute also; for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.”” — editor's note: Rom. xiii. 1–7.
Read the whole comment“And again, in reference to them he says, “For he beareth not the sword in vain; for he is the minister of God, the avenger for wrath to him who does evil.”” — editor's note: Rom. xiii. 4.
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John Chrysostom
“Which thing Paul also doth, using both the future and the present to sway his hearer: as when, deterring from wickedness, he points out to him that is inclined to evil, the ruler armed: thus saying, “But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain; for he is a minister of God.”” — editor's note: Rom. xiii. 4.
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Catena Aurea on Matthew
- John ChrysostomCatena Aurea on Matthew
“…those things which are before the eyes affect us most, as St. Paul also declares, “If thou doest evil fear the power, for he beareth not the sword in vain.” [Rom 13:4]” — the author cites it
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Basil the Great
“The decision I have come to in my own mind is, not to surrender offenders to the magistrates; yet not to rescue those already in their custody, since it has long ago been declared by the Apostle, that the magistrates should be a terror to them in their evil-doings; for, it is said, “he beareth not the sword in vain.”” — editor's note: Rom. xiii. 4.
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Clement of Alexandria
““If thou doest evil, be afraid,” says the apostle.” — editor's note: Rom. xiii. 3, 4.
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Augustine of Hippo
“What does the authority do to thee if thou art good? but if thou art evil, fear the authority; “For he beareth not the sword in vain,” saith the apostle.” — editor's note: Rom. xiii. 4.
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Cross-references · 10
Cited together in Against Heresies V.24.
Cited together in Against Heresies V.24.
Cited together in Against Heresies V.24.
Cited together in Against Heresies V.24.
Cited together in John Chrysostom on Matthew 5:25–26 (Catena Aurea).
Cited together in John Chrysostom on Matthew 5:25–26 (Catena Aurea).
Cited together in Against Heresies V.24.
Cited together in A Treatise on the Soul Chapter 33.
Cited together in Against Heresies V.24.
Cited together in Against Heresies V.24.