Paragraph 25.1
Chapter 25: Of the Civil Magistrate
God, the Supreme Lord, and King of all the World, hath ordained Civil Magistrates to be under him, over the People, for his own Glory, and the publick Good; and to this End hath armed them with the Power of the Sword, for Defence and Encouragement of them that do Good, and for the Punishment of Evil Doers.a
a. Romans 13:1–4
Romans 13:1–4
13:1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 13:2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 13:3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: 13:4 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.
13:1 Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. 13:2 Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 13:3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the one in authority? Then do what is right, and you will have his approval. 13:4 For he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not carry the sword in vain. He is God's servant, an agent of retribution to the wrongdoer.
King James VersionBerean Standard Bible