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

¹ Let every soul to the higher authorities be subject, for there is no authority except from God, and the authorities existing are appointed by God, ² so that he who is setting himself against the authority, against God's ordinance hath resisted; and those resisting, to themselves shall receive judgment. ³ For those ruling are not a terror to the good works, but to the evil; and dost thou wish not to be afraid of the authority? that which is good be doing, and thou shalt have praise from it, ⁴ for of God it is a ministrant to thee for good; and if that which is evil thou mayest do, be fearing, for not in vain doth it bear the sword; for of God it is a ministrant, an avenger for wrath to him who is doing that which is evil. ⁵ Wherefore it is necessary to be subject, not only because of the wrath, but also because of the conscience, ⁶ for because of this also pay ye tribute; for servants of God they are, on this very thing attending continually; ⁷ render, therefore, to all their dues; to whom tribute, the tribute; to whom custom, the custom; to whom fear, the fear; to whom honour, the honour.