A frequent misinterpretation views this verse as mandating absolute, unquestioning submission to all governments regardless of their morality, ignoring the conditional nature that rulers should terrorize evil not good, which can justify tyranny; another error assumes good works always receive praise from authorities, overlooking instances where righteous believers face persecution from corrupt powers that invert this ideal.
Romans 13:3
King James Version (1769)
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:
Paul teaches that governing authorities, as ordained by God, are designed to reward good conduct and deter evil, so believers should not fear them but instead pursue righteousness, expecting commendation and protection from just rulers who fulfill their divine role of promoting order and justice in society.