The 1599 Geneva Bible:
Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers: for there is no power but of God: and the powers that be, are ordained of God. ****Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist, shall receive to themselves condemnation. ****For Magistrates are not to be feared for good works, but for evil. Wilt thou then be without fear of the power? do well: so shalt thou have praise of the same. ****For he is the minister of God for thy wealth: but if thou do evil, fear: for he beareth not the sword for nought: for he is the minister of God to take vengeance on him that doeth evil. ****Wherefore ye must be subject, not because of wrath only, but also for conscience sake. ****For, for this cause ye pay also tribute: for they are God’s ministers, applying themselves for the same thing. ****Give to all men therefore their duty: tribute, to whom ye owe tribute: custom, to whom custom: fear, to whom fear: honor, to whom ye owe honor. ****Owe nothing to any man, but to love one another: for he that loveth another, hath fulfilled the Law.
Table of Contents:
[Sancti Pauli epistola ad Romanos]
Up to verse 8, the discourse treateth of the due subjection unto superiors. Beautifully doth he subjoin this instruction unto the matters foregoing; wherein private vengeance is forbidden, by this argument, that room must needs be given unto wrath. After he had spoken of the divine judgment in verse 20, he also maketh mention of human judgment; or of the power which God hath placed in men, that there may be an avenger unto wrath. Verse 4. Against private vengeance he reasoneth, that every soul ought to be subject, and not to encroach upon the parts of that power which is only from God. Here be: