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

1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities, for [there] is no authority except by God, and those that exist are put in place by God. 2 So then, the one who resists authority resists the ordinance [which is] from God, and those who resist will receive condemnation on themselves. 3 For rulers are not a [cause of] terror for a good deed, but for bad [conduct]. So do you want not to be afraid of authority? Do what [is] good, and you will have praise from it, 4 for it is God's servant to you for what [is] good. But if you do what [is] bad, be afraid, because it does not bear the sword to no purpose. For it is God's servant, the one who avenges for punishment on the one who does [what is] bad. 5 Therefore [it is] necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath but also because of conscience. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for [the authorities] are servants of God, busily engaged in this very [thing]. 7 Pay to everyone [what is] owed: [pay] taxes to whom taxes [are due]; [pay] customs duties to whom customs duties [are due]; [pay] respect to whom respect [is due]; [pay] honor to whom honor [is due].