Matthew Poole and continuators on Romans 13:4

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 .

q. d. That is the end of his Office; and for this Reason God hath invested him with his Authority. The Scripture applyeth the same Title to him that Preacheth the Word, and to him that Beareth the Sword; both are God's Ministers, and there is one common End of their Ministry, which is the Good and Welfare of Mankind.

This is the Reason why he that Transgresseth the Moral Law of God, or the wholesome Laws of the Land where he lives, should be afraid of the Magistrate, because He [illegible: 1 letter]ears not the Sword in vain. The Sword is figuratively put for Power and Authority: He alludes to the Custome of Princes, who had certain Officers going before them, hearing the Ensignes of their Authority. q. d. The Magistrate hath not his Authority for nothing, or for no purpose; but that he may Punish the Evil, as well as Defend the Good.

Here is another Reason why Evil Doers (as before) should be afraid of the Magistrate: Or rather, the same Reason, in other and plainer words, because he is God's Officer to Execute Wrath upon him that doth Evil; He is in God's room upon Earth, and doth the Work which primarily belongeth unto him, vid. chap. 12.19. By Wrath, here understand Punishment (so in Luk. 21.23. chap. 2.8.) The word Execute, is not in the Text▪ but aptly enough supplyed by our Translators.

Marginal references: [illegible: 1 paragraph]