Misinterpretations of Romans 13:4 often include absolutizing submission to all governments, even tyrannical ones, ignoring biblical precedents for civil disobedience when human laws contradict God's commands, as seen in Acts 5:29; another error treats the passage as endorsing unlimited state violence or militarism without regard for justice; some misuse it to vilify law enforcement or justify rebellion without cause, overlooking the balanced call to fear authorities only when doing evil and the broader context of loving others in Romans 13.
Romans 13:4
King James Version (1769)
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.
Romans 13:4 teaches that governing authorities are God's servants instituted for the good of people, protecting the righteous and wielding the sword as a symbol of legitimate punitive power against evildoers to execute wrath and maintain justice, calling believers to respect such authorities as part of God's ordained order while recognizing their accountability to Him.