Romans 13:3

Not a terror. In general, rulers are not to be dreaded except when wrong is done. In actuality, of course, not all rulers belong to this class, for many of them have persecuted the good; for example, Nero, the Roman emperor at the time Paul wrote this epistle, who was later responsible for Paul’s martyrdom. Nevertheless, it is generally true that those who are virtuous have nothing to fear from civil authorities. Governments as such are not a terror to good works. On the contrary, they exist for a beneficent purpose, and generally speaking it is to the Christian’s advantage to submit to their requirements (see 1 Tim. 2:1, 2).

Wilt thou? Gr. thelo, “to wish,” “to will.” The Christian who wishes to have no dread of the civil government should practice doing what is right, and then he will be commended for his good conduct (cf. 1 Peter 2:14, 15).

Of the same. Literally, “from it,” meaning “from the ruling authority.”