Yes, God’s righteousness is manifested in the civil magistrate’s right to execute, for as the Lord said to Noah: Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image
(Genesis 9:6). At the same time, however, the Lord gave laws to Israel that do not simply leave the death penalty and vengeance in the hands of an individual avenger of blood, but rather assigns it to the justices. In this way the justices (representing the congregation of the people—Numbers 35:12, Numbers 35:25), who, by avenging spilt blood, mirror the image of the Creator, who made man in his image. Opposition to the governing authorities was also often accompanied with assaults and murder. God’s wrath falls on that murder and that opposition. The governing authorities rightly pronounce judgment on them, for they are God’s servant in doing so. Paul writes all this based on what God has revealed and therefore this verse should also be understood as being normative for the rulers themselves. Rulers who are guilty of murder will therefore also be subjected to God’s justice. In the final analysis, God has not handed the world over to those in power; it remains under the regime of the Creator, who lends power to and commissions people, and also makes them accountable for it.1
4 Le magistrat est serviteur de Dieu pour ton bien. Mais si tu fais le mal, crains; car ce n'est pas en vain qu'il porte l'épée, étant serviteur de Dieu pour exercer la vengeance et punir celui qui fait le mal.