4For 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.
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Cross-References
From the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
And said to the judges, Take heed what ye do: for ye judge not for man, but for the LORD, who is with you in the judgment.
The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it.
The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion: whoso provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own soul.
These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment. …
Commentary
Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary on the Bible (1710)
(vv. 1-6)We are here taught how to conduct ourselves towards magistrates, and those that are in authority over us, called here the higher powers , intimating their authority (they are powers), and their dignity (they are higher powers), including not only the king as supreme, but all inferior magistrates under him: and yet it is expressed, not by the persons that are in that power, but the place of power i…
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