Thematic Bible: Duty of citizens to

Remind the people [where you minister] to be in subjection to [civic] rulers, [governmental] authorities, to be obedient [to them], to be prepared for [doing] every good deed,

Verse Concepts

Being PreparedExhortation, Objects Ofethics, socialCivil authoritieseagernessAuthority, of human institutionsHuman Authority, Christian ResponseCivic DutiesLoyaltyMorality, And CreationObedience, To Human AuthoritiesHonoring AuthorityReadinessRulersSociety, Positive Aspects Of

Orderliness In SocietySubmissionWatchfulness, Of BelieversPoliticsCitizens, Christian DutiesCivil GovernmentCitizenshipReminders Of The GospelPreparing For ActionAttitudes Towards KingsBe Subject To PeopleDo Good!Respecting Authorityprincipalities

Every person must be submissive to the ruling authorities, for all authorities come from God. And the existence of authorities has been established by God. Therefore, the person who resists [these] authorities is opposing what God has ordained. And those who oppose [these authorities] will bring judgment on themselves. For [our] rulers are not a threat to [the person doing] a good deed, but to [the person doing] an evil one. So, do you want to avoid having to be afraid of the authorities? Then do what is good and you will be commended by them [generally]. read more.
For they are servants of God for your good. But you should be afraid if you do what is evil, because they do not carry the sword [i.e., for executing criminals] for nothing. For they are servants of God who take revenge [on wrongdoing] by punishing the person who does evil. Therefore, you must submit [to the authorities], not only because of [the threat of] punishment, but also for the sake of [your] conscience. This is the reason why you should pay taxes also. For the authorities are God's servants who continually tend to this matter [i.e., of collecting taxes]. [So], pay everyone what you owe them; pay taxes to the tax collector; pay revenue to the revenue collector; show respect to the one deserving it; give honor to the one deserving it.

So, tell us what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?" But Jesus perceived their wicked intention and said, "Why are you putting me to a test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin used for paying taxes." And they brought to Him a coin [Note: This coin was equivalent to one day of a farm laborer's pay, or about $60-$84 in 1994]. read more.
He said to them, "Whose image and inscription are on this coin?" They answered Him, "Caesar's." Then He replied, "Pay to Caesar whatever belongs to Caesar and pay to God whatever belongs to God."

He replied, "Then pay to Caesar the things that belong to Caesar and pay to God the things that belong to God."

Verse Concepts

Giving, Of Possessionsethics, socialethics, basis ofGiving To OthersCivil authoritiesCitizens, Christian DutiesAuthority, of human institutionsHuman Authority, Christian ResponseObedience, To Human AuthoritiesGiving To God

God PossessingHonoring AuthoritySubmissionTributesCaesarGiving Backluckbelongingtaxes

Submit yourselves to every authority set up by people for the Lord's sake. [Submit to] a king as the [highest] authority, or to governors who are appointed by him to punish wrongdoers, and to commend those who do right. For it is God's will that, by doing good, you should put to silence the ignorant [talk and actions] of foolish people. read more.
As servants of God, you should live as free people, but do not use this freedom to cover up your wrongdoing. Show [proper] respect for everyone. Love your [Christian] brothers [and sisters]. Have an awe-inspiring respect for God. Show honor to the king.