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For rulers are not a cause of fear to good conduct, but to evil.(A) Do you wish to have no fear of authority? Then do what is good and you will receive approval from it, for it is a servant of God for your good. But if you do evil, be afraid, for it does not bear the sword without purpose; it is the servant of God to inflict wrath on the evildoer.(B) Therefore, it is necessary to be subject not only because of the wrath but also because of conscience.(C)

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For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended.(A) For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.(B) Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.(C)

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