Romans 13:1-7 - Obedience To The Governing Authorities

¹ Let every soul be subject to the higher authorities. For there is no authority except that which is from God; and the existing authorities have been ordained of God. ² So the one resisting the authority, antagonizes the ordinance of God: and those antagonizing shall receive to themselves judgment. ³ For rulers are not a terror to the good work, but to the evil. Whether do you not wish to fear the authority? do the good, and you shall have praise from it: ⁴ for he is the minister of God for you for good. But if you do evil, fear; for he bears not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, executing judgment unto wrath unto the one doing evil. ⁵ Therefore it is necessary to submit, not only on account of wrath, but also on account of conscience. ⁶ For on account of this also pay tribute; for they are the ministers of God, attending to this very thing. ⁷ Give to all their dues: custom to whom custom is due; tribute to whom tribute is due; fear to whom fear is due; honor to whom honor is due.