“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.”
For the one in authority is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God's servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. — The magistrate is hyperetes (servant, minister, literally under-rower) and leitourgos (public servant, minister). The diakoneia (service) is eis to agathon soi (for your good), suggesting protective function. The machaira (sword) is not ornamental but executional—authority bears coercive power for ekdikēsis (justice, vengeance, retribution). Org (wrath) is God's righteous judgment administered through human instruments.
Church Fathers on Romans 13:4
“For he is the minister of God to you for good.” So far is he from terrifying you, he says, that he even praises you: so far from being a hindrance to you, that he even works with you. When then you have his praise and his succor, how is it that you are not in subjection to him? For he makes virtue easier for you in other ways also, by chastising the wicked, by benefiting and honoring the good, and by working together with the will of God. Whence too he has even given him…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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