Romans 13:1-4

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. Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 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. 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.

Berean Standard Bible, public domain. Read all of Romans 13

2 songs meet this passage

  • I Shot the Sheriff (Clean EPMD Remix) · Warren G

    strains against Romans 13:1-4

    The song's overall posture treats law enforcement as pure enemy and violence as the fitting response, standing against a biblical vision (however imperfectly realized by actual authorities) of governing power meant to restrain evil.

  • “These pigs wanna blow my house down”

    Insane in the Brain · Cypress Hill

    strains against Romans 13:1-2

    The song frames law enforcement purely as an adversary to evade, which stands against the call to respect governing authority, though it also reflects real tension and distrust some communities feel.

Elsewhere in Romans 13