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For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Good works overcome fear.<\/p>\n The word translated \u201crulers<\/span>,<\/em>\u201d is the Greek word arch\u014dn<\/em><\/span>, which literally means \u201cone who is first, either in time or in position.\u201d By application this word means anyone who has power or authority over us.<\/p>\n \u201cTerror<\/span>\u201d is from the noun phobos<\/em><\/span>, which is derived from the verb phebomai<\/em><\/span>, meaning \u201cto flee from.\u201d Hence, phobos<\/em> <\/span>refers to \u201cfear or terror.\u201d In the current verse it could be translated as \u201ca fearsome thing.\u201d<\/p>\n The word translated \u201cpraise<\/span>\u201d is epainos<\/em><\/span>, meaning \u201crecognition, laudation, or praise.\u201d<\/p>\n Let\u2019s remember as we\u2019re going through this portion of Paul\u2019s letter to the predominantly Jewish Christians in Rome that it was written around 56 A.D. This was only 2 years after Nero, one of the worst Christian haters ever, came to power as the Emperor of Rome. The Christians who were living in Rome at that time would have been under the most scrutiny of any group of people in the entire Roman Empire, and you can be sure that their treatment was anything but fair. It is likely that Paul has included this portion of his letter for that very reason. Let\u2019s see what he said.<\/p>\n Paul\u2019s use of the term \u201crulers<\/span>\u201d here is very likely a direct reference to Nero and his henchmen. He says that the rulers are not a terror, or a fearsome thing, to the good works but to the bad ones. The purpose of any ruler is to promote good works in the people, not evil deeds. No ruler wants the people subject to him or her to be disobedient and lawless. In many cases, as was particularly true of the emperors of Rome, the rulers considered themselves above the law, but they still wanted their subjects to obey the laws.<\/p>\n Paul then asks a rhetorical question, \u201cDo you want to live without fear of the people in power?\u201d His immediate response is, \u201cThen do good and the rulers will praise you.\u201d<\/p>\n I can hear the Roman Christians\u2019 objection even now, \u201cBut Paul, this is Nero who is intentionally persecuting Christians. You want us to submit to his authority?!\u201d And Paul\u2019s answer would be an unequivocal, \u201cAbsolutely!\u201d You see, God\u2019s plan for us includes submitting to all who are in authority over us whether they are benevolent or tyrannical. God is aware of our circumstances, and He is the one who will ultimately judge us (and the rulers) for our evil deeds and reward us for our good deeds. Keep in mind that submission and obedience are good deeds in God\u2019s eyes. But remember, we are always to obey the highest authority and that is God, Himself.<\/p>\n No matter how corrupt our political rulers may be, they are not likely to be as self-serving and powerful as many of the Roman emperors. But our Ruler is greater than all earthly rulers and He wants to receive all the praise and glory, for He is worthy! No matter what you may be going through or who may be causing you to suffer, let\u2019s remember to always keep our eyes focused on Him!<\/p>\n In God\u2019s service, for His glory,<\/strong><\/p>\nTruth to Learn<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
Behind the Words<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
Meaning Explained<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
Application<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
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