Audio commentary on this verse

Note 5 at Rom. 13:3: There are certainly scriptural exceptions to this statement. The Egyptian government turned on the Israelites (Ex. 1:8-22), not because of any sin on their part but because of the insecurities and fears of the Pharaoh. James the apostle was killed by Herod just because it pleased the Jews (Acts 12:2). John the Baptist was imprisoned and beheaded by Herod, and Jesus Himself commented on the innocence of John (Mt. 11:9-11).

However, as a whole there is a truth that even corrupt governments do not bother those who are doing good. Paul was an example of this. Many times the Roman government actually came to his defense (Examples: Acts 18:12-16; 19:35-41; 21:31-36; 23:23-24; 25:1-5; 27:42-44). In the book of Daniel, Daniel and his three friends were repeatedly honored even though the governmental system was corrupt and unjust. Joseph prospered in Egypt despite the injustices some people did to him.

With few exceptions, governments are established to protect the good and punish the evil. If we do good, we have nothing to fear.