@Heart2Soul Romans 13:1-5
Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. (does this mean the good and froward also?) For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. [2] Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. [3]
For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. (does this include the government also)Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: [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. [5] Wherefore
ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
“For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil.” The above broke up into two “being not afraid” of the terror IF you do good(walk in the Spirit of meekness,Christ) or but if thou do that which is evil “be afraid”. Paul speaks of this wrath and bearing not the sword in vain (imo) in 2 Corinthians 5:10-11 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. [11]
Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also
are made manifest in your consciences.
concerning rulers, personally as a woman 1 Peter 3:6 stands out: Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are,
as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.
“...being subject to their own husbands, as Sarah was Obedient to Abraham, calling him ‘sir’, of whom you did become daughters, doing good, and
not fearing any terror.” Other versions say “if”, you are daughters of Sarah and not the bondwoman “if” which (imo) connects to (Isaiah 54:14-17)In righteousness shalt thou be established: thou shalt be far from oppression;
for thou shalt not fear: and from terror; for it shall not come near thee. ...
No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord.
Yet so confused with the brought no accusations against the devil with Acts 23:1-9 And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said,
Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day. [2] And the high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by him to smite him on the mouth. [3]
Then said Paul unto him, God shall smite thee, thou whitewashed wall: for sittest thou to judge me after the law, and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law? [4] And
they that stood by said, Revilest thou God's high priest? [5] Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people. [6] But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question. [7] And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees: and the multitude was divided. [8] For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both. [9] And there arose a great cry: and the scribes that were of the Pharisees' part arose, and strove, saying,
We find no evil in this man: but if a spirit or an angel hath spoken to him, let us not fight against God.