Thematic Bible
Thematic Bible
duties of Citizens » General references to
But rather than give offense to them, go down to the sea and throw in a hook. Take the first fish that comes up, open its mouth and you will find in it a dollar. Take that and pay the tax for us both."
Verse Concepts
They answered, "The emperor's." Then he said to them, "Then pay the emperor what belongs to the emperor, and pay God what belongs to God!"
Verse Concepts
Everyone must obey the authorities that are over him, for no authority can exist without the permission of God; the existing authorities have been established by him,
Verse Concepts
Remind men to accept and obey the constituted authorities, to be ready for any useful service,
Verse Concepts
Submit to all human authority, for the Master's sake; to the emperor, as supreme, and to governors, as sent by him to punish evil-doers, and to encourage those who do right.
Civic duties » General references to
But rather than give offense to them, go down to the sea and throw in a hook. Take the first fish that comes up, open its mouth and you will find in it a dollar. Take that and pay the tax for us both."
Verse Concepts
They answered, "The emperor's." Then he said to them, "Then pay the emperor what belongs to the emperor, and pay God what belongs to God!"
Verse Concepts
Everyone must obey the authorities that are over him, for no authority can exist without the permission of God; the existing authorities have been established by him,
Verse Concepts
Remind men to accept and obey the constituted authorities, to be ready for any useful service,
Verse Concepts
Submit to all human authority, for the Master's sake; to the emperor, as supreme, and to governors, as sent by him to punish evil-doers, and to encourage those who do right.
Civic duties » To honour rulers
In that same way these dreamers defile the body, make light of authority, and deride majesty.
Verse Concepts
Treat everyone with respect. Love the brotherhood, be reverent to God, respect the emperor.
Verse Concepts
Everyone must obey the authorities that are over him, for no authority can exist without the permission of God; the existing authorities have been established by him,
Verse Concepts
"I did not know, brothers," said Paul, "that he was high priest, for the Scripture says, 'You shall not say anything against any ruler of your people.' "
Verse Concepts
Christian conduct » Submitting to authorities
Everyone must obey the authorities that are over him, for no authority can exist without the permission of God; the existing authorities have been established by him, so that anyone who resists the authorities sets himself in opposition to what God has ordained, and those who oppose him will bring down judgment upon themselves. The man who does right has nothing to fear from the magistrates, as the wrongdoer has. If you want to have no fear of the authorities, do right, and they will commend you for it, read more.
for they are God's agents to do you good. But if you do wrong you may well be afraid, for they do not carry swords for nothing. They are God's servants, to execute his wrath upon wrongdoers. You must obey them, therefore, not only to escape God's wrath, but as a matter of principle, just as you pay your taxes; they are God's ministers, devoting themselves to this service. Pay them all what is due them??ribute to the man entitled to receive it, taxes to the man entitled to receive them, respect to the man entitled to it, and honor to the man entitled to it.
for they are God's agents to do you good. But if you do wrong you may well be afraid, for they do not carry swords for nothing. They are God's servants, to execute his wrath upon wrongdoers. You must obey them, therefore, not only to escape God's wrath, but as a matter of principle, just as you pay your taxes; they are God's ministers, devoting themselves to this service. Pay them all what is due them??ribute to the man entitled to receive it, taxes to the man entitled to receive them, respect to the man entitled to it, and honor to the man entitled to it.
Courts of justice » Have authority from God
Everyone must obey the authorities that are over him, for no authority can exist without the permission of God; the existing authorities have been established by him, so that anyone who resists the authorities sets himself in opposition to what God has ordained, and those who oppose him will bring down judgment upon themselves. The man who does right has nothing to fear from the magistrates, as the wrongdoer has. If you want to have no fear of the authorities, do right, and they will commend you for it, read more.
for they are God's agents to do you good. But if you do wrong you may well be afraid, for they do not carry swords for nothing. They are God's servants, to execute his wrath upon wrongdoers. You must obey them, therefore, not only to escape God's wrath, but as a matter of principle,
for they are God's agents to do you good. But if you do wrong you may well be afraid, for they do not carry swords for nothing. They are God's servants, to execute his wrath upon wrongdoers. You must obey them, therefore, not only to escape God's wrath, but as a matter of principle,
Duties » Of citizens » General references to
But rather than give offense to them, go down to the sea and throw in a hook. Take the first fish that comes up, open its mouth and you will find in it a dollar. Take that and pay the tax for us both."
Verse Concepts
They answered, "The emperor's." Then he said to them, "Then pay the emperor what belongs to the emperor, and pay God what belongs to God!"
Verse Concepts
Everyone must obey the authorities that are over him, for no authority can exist without the permission of God; the existing authorities have been established by him,
Verse Concepts
Remind men to accept and obey the constituted authorities, to be ready for any useful service,
Verse Concepts
Submit to all human authority, for the Master's sake; to the emperor, as supreme, and to governors, as sent by him to punish evil-doers, and to encourage those who do right.
Evil » The reward for doing evil
Everyone must obey the authorities that are over him, for no authority can exist without the permission of God; the existing authorities have been established by him, so that anyone who resists the authorities sets himself in opposition to what God has ordained, and those who oppose him will bring down judgment upon themselves. The man who does right has nothing to fear from the magistrates, as the wrongdoer has. If you want to have no fear of the authorities, do right, and they will commend you for it, read more.
for they are God's agents to do you good. But if you do wrong you may well be afraid, for they do not carry swords for nothing. They are God's servants, to execute his wrath upon wrongdoers.
for they are God's agents to do you good. But if you do wrong you may well be afraid, for they do not carry swords for nothing. They are God's servants, to execute his wrath upon wrongdoers.
Government » Duty of citizens to
Remind men to accept and obey the constituted authorities, to be ready for any useful service,
Verse Concepts
Everyone must obey the authorities that are over him, for no authority can exist without the permission of God; the existing authorities have been established by him, so that anyone who resists the authorities sets himself in opposition to what God has ordained, and those who oppose him will bring down judgment upon themselves. The man who does right has nothing to fear from the magistrates, as the wrongdoer has. If you want to have no fear of the authorities, do right, and they will commend you for it, read more.
for they are God's agents to do you good. But if you do wrong you may well be afraid, for they do not carry swords for nothing. They are God's servants, to execute his wrath upon wrongdoers. You must obey them, therefore, not only to escape God's wrath, but as a matter of principle, just as you pay your taxes; they are God's ministers, devoting themselves to this service. Pay them all what is due them??ribute to the man entitled to receive it, taxes to the man entitled to receive them, respect to the man entitled to it, and honor to the man entitled to it.
for they are God's agents to do you good. But if you do wrong you may well be afraid, for they do not carry swords for nothing. They are God's servants, to execute his wrath upon wrongdoers. You must obey them, therefore, not only to escape God's wrath, but as a matter of principle, just as you pay your taxes; they are God's ministers, devoting themselves to this service. Pay them all what is due them??ribute to the man entitled to receive it, taxes to the man entitled to receive them, respect to the man entitled to it, and honor to the man entitled to it.
So give us your opinion: Is it right to pay the poll-tax to the emperor, or not?" But he saw their malice, and said, "Why do you put me to such a test, you hypocrites? Show me the poll-tax coin!" And they brought him a denarius. read more.
And he said to them, "Whose head and title is this?" They answered, "The emperor's." Then he said to them, "Then pay the emperor what belongs to the emperor, and pay God what belongs to God!"
And he said to them, "Whose head and title is this?" They answered, "The emperor's." Then he said to them, "Then pay the emperor what belongs to the emperor, and pay God what belongs to God!"
He said to them, "Then pay the emperor what belongs to the emperor, and pay God what belongs to God!"
Verse Concepts
Submit to all human authority, for the Master's sake; to the emperor, as supreme, and to governors, as sent by him to punish evil-doers, and to encourage those who do right. For it is the will of God that by doing right you should silence the ignorant charges of foolish people. read more.
Live like free men, only do not make your freedom an excuse for doing wrong, but be slaves of God. Treat everyone with respect. Love the brotherhood, be reverent to God, respect the emperor.
Live like free men, only do not make your freedom an excuse for doing wrong, but be slaves of God. Treat everyone with respect. Love the brotherhood, be reverent to God, respect the emperor.
Government » The purpose of government
Submit to all human authority, for the Master's sake; to the emperor, as supreme, and to governors, as sent by him to punish evil-doers, and to encourage those who do right.
Everyone must obey the authorities that are over him, for no authority can exist without the permission of God; the existing authorities have been established by him, so that anyone who resists the authorities sets himself in opposition to what God has ordained, and those who oppose him will bring down judgment upon themselves. The man who does right has nothing to fear from the magistrates, as the wrongdoer has. If you want to have no fear of the authorities, do right, and they will commend you for it, read more.
for they are God's agents to do you good. But if you do wrong you may well be afraid, for they do not carry swords for nothing. They are God's servants, to execute his wrath upon wrongdoers. You must obey them, therefore, not only to escape God's wrath, but as a matter of principle, just as you pay your taxes; they are God's ministers, devoting themselves to this service. Pay them all what is due them??ribute to the man entitled to receive it, taxes to the man entitled to receive them, respect to the man entitled to it, and honor to the man entitled to it.
for they are God's agents to do you good. But if you do wrong you may well be afraid, for they do not carry swords for nothing. They are God's servants, to execute his wrath upon wrongdoers. You must obey them, therefore, not only to escape God's wrath, but as a matter of principle, just as you pay your taxes; they are God's ministers, devoting themselves to this service. Pay them all what is due them??ribute to the man entitled to receive it, taxes to the man entitled to receive them, respect to the man entitled to it, and honor to the man entitled to it.
Kings » Should be » Obeyed
Everyone must obey the authorities that are over him, for no authority can exist without the permission of God; the existing authorities have been established by him,
Verse Concepts
You must obey them, therefore, not only to escape God's wrath, but as a matter of principle,
Verse Concepts
Submit to all human authority, for the Master's sake; to the emperor, as supreme,
Verse Concepts
Kings » God ordains
Everyone must obey the authorities that are over him, for no authority can exist without the permission of God; the existing authorities have been established by him,
Verse Concepts
Loyalty » Encouraged
Everyone must obey the authorities that are over him, for no authority can exist without the permission of God; the existing authorities have been established by him,
Verse Concepts
Remind men to accept and obey the constituted authorities, to be ready for any useful service,
Verse Concepts
Magistrates » Are appointed by God
Everyone must obey the authorities that are over him, for no authority can exist without the permission of God; the existing authorities have been established by him,
Verse Concepts
Ministry » Who is a minister of God
Everyone must obey the authorities that are over him, for no authority can exist without the permission of God; the existing authorities have been established by him, so that anyone who resists the authorities sets himself in opposition to what God has ordained, and those who oppose him will bring down judgment upon themselves. The man who does right has nothing to fear from the magistrates, as the wrongdoer has. If you want to have no fear of the authorities, do right, and they will commend you for it, read more.
for they are God's agents to do you good. But if you do wrong you may well be afraid, for they do not carry swords for nothing. They are God's servants, to execute his wrath upon wrongdoers. You must obey them, therefore, not only to escape God's wrath, but as a matter of principle, just as you pay your taxes; they are God's ministers, devoting themselves to this service.
for they are God's agents to do you good. But if you do wrong you may well be afraid, for they do not carry swords for nothing. They are God's servants, to execute his wrath upon wrongdoers. You must obey them, therefore, not only to escape God's wrath, but as a matter of principle, just as you pay your taxes; they are God's ministers, devoting themselves to this service.
Am I falling into self-recommendation again? Do I, like some people, need letters of recommendation to you or from you? You are my recommendations, written on my heart, for everybody to read and understand. You show that you are a letter from Christ delivered by me, written not in ink, but in the Spirit of the living God, and not on tablets of stone, but on the human heart. read more.
Such is the confidence that I have through Christ in my relations to God. Not that I am of myself qualified to claim anything as originating with me. My qualification is from God, and he has qualified me to serve him in the interests of a new agreement, not in writing but of spirit. For what is written kills, but the Spirit gives life.
Such is the confidence that I have through Christ in my relations to God. Not that I am of myself qualified to claim anything as originating with me. My qualification is from God, and he has qualified me to serve him in the interests of a new agreement, not in writing but of spirit. For what is written kills, but the Spirit gives life.
Nation » Duty to
But rather than give offense to them, go down to the sea and throw in a hook. Take the first fish that comes up, open its mouth and you will find in it a dollar. Take that and pay the tax for us both."
Verse Concepts
They answered, "The emperor's." Then he said to them, "Then pay the emperor what belongs to the emperor, and pay God what belongs to God!"
Verse Concepts
Everyone must obey the authorities that are over him, for no authority can exist without the permission of God; the existing authorities have been established by him,
Verse Concepts
Remind men to accept and obey the constituted authorities, to be ready for any useful service,
Verse Concepts
Submit to all human authority, for the Master's sake; to the emperor, as supreme, and to governors, as sent by him to punish evil-doers, and to encourage those who do right.
Obedience » Who to obey
Obey your leaders and give way to them, for they are keeping watch in defense of your souls, as men accountable for the trust. Make their work a joy and not a grief, for that would be the worse for you.
Verse Concepts
Tell slaves always to obey their masters and try to please them, not to oppose them
Verse Concepts
Children, as Christians obey your parents, for that is right.
Verse Concepts
Children, always obey your parents, for that is commendable in Christians.
Verse Concepts
Everyone must obey the authorities that are over him, for no authority can exist without the permission of God; the existing authorities have been established by him,
Verse Concepts
Remind men to accept and obey the constituted authorities, to be ready for any useful service,
Verse Concepts
Obedience to God » Includes » Submission to higher powers
Everyone must obey the authorities that are over him, for no authority can exist without the permission of God; the existing authorities have been established by him,
Verse Concepts
Ordination » What has been ordained
But it is a mysterious divine wisdom that we impart, hitherto kept secret, and destined by God before the world began for our glory.
Verse Concepts
Do you not know that those who do the work about the Temple get their living from the Temple, and those who attend to the altar divide the sacrifices with the altar? In just that way the Lord directed that those who preach the good news should get their living from it.
For it is by his mercy that you have been saved through faith. It is not by your own action, it is the gift of God. It has not been earned, so that no one can boast of it. For he has made us, creating us through our union with Christ Jesus for the life of goodness which God had predestined us to live.
and the command that should have meant life in my case proved to mean death.
Verse Concepts
Everyone must obey the authorities that are over him, for no authority can exist without the permission of God; the existing authorities have been established by him, so that anyone who resists the authorities sets himself in opposition to what God has ordained, and those who oppose him will bring down judgment upon themselves.
Then what about the Law? It was a later addition, designed to produce transgressions, until the descendant to which the promise was made should come, and it was enacted by means of angels, through an intermediary; though an intermediary implies more than one party, while God is but one.
Power » There being no power other than God
Then Pilate said to him, "Do you refuse to speak to me? Do you not know that it is in my power to release you or to have you crucified?" Jesus answered him, "You would have no power at all over me, if it were not given to you from above. So you are less guilty than the man who betrayed me to you."
Everyone must obey the authorities that are over him, for no authority can exist without the permission of God; the existing authorities have been established by him, so that anyone who resists the authorities sets himself in opposition to what God has ordained, and those who oppose him will bring down judgment upon themselves.
Resistance » Those that resist the powers that be
Everyone must obey the authorities that are over him, for no authority can exist without the permission of God; the existing authorities have been established by him, so that anyone who resists the authorities sets himself in opposition to what God has ordained, and those who oppose him will bring down judgment upon themselves.
Respect » Due to rulers
In that same way these dreamers defile the body, make light of authority, and deride majesty.
Verse Concepts
Treat everyone with respect. Love the brotherhood, be reverent to God, respect the emperor.
Verse Concepts
Everyone must obey the authorities that are over him, for no authority can exist without the permission of God; the existing authorities have been established by him,
Verse Concepts
"I did not know, brothers," said Paul, "that he was high priest, for the Scripture says, 'You shall not say anything against any ruler of your people.' "
Verse Concepts
Reverence » For parents » For rulers
In that same way these dreamers defile the body, make light of authority, and deride majesty.
Verse Concepts
Treat everyone with respect. Love the brotherhood, be reverent to God, respect the emperor.
Verse Concepts
Everyone must obey the authorities that are over him, for no authority can exist without the permission of God; the existing authorities have been established by him,
Verse Concepts
"I did not know, brothers," said Paul, "that he was high priest, for the Scripture says, 'You shall not say anything against any ruler of your people.' "
Verse Concepts
Rulers' » Of israel » To be reverenced
In that same way these dreamers defile the body, make light of authority, and deride majesty.
Verse Concepts
Treat everyone with respect. Love the brotherhood, be reverent to God, respect the emperor.
Verse Concepts
Everyone must obey the authorities that are over him, for no authority can exist without the permission of God; the existing authorities have been established by him,
Verse Concepts
"I did not know, brothers," said Paul, "that he was high priest, for the Scripture says, 'You shall not say anything against any ruler of your people.' "
Verse Concepts
Social duties » In relation to food in relation to speech » To honour rulers
In that same way these dreamers defile the body, make light of authority, and deride majesty.
Verse Concepts
Treat everyone with respect. Love the brotherhood, be reverent to God, respect the emperor.
Verse Concepts
Everyone must obey the authorities that are over him, for no authority can exist without the permission of God; the existing authorities have been established by him,
Verse Concepts
"I did not know, brothers," said Paul, "that he was high priest, for the Scripture says, 'You shall not say anything against any ruler of your people.' "
Verse Concepts
Submission » Who to submit to
Obey your leaders and give way to them, for they are keeping watch in defense of your souls, as men accountable for the trust. Make their work a joy and not a grief, for that would be the worse for you.
Verse Concepts
You younger men must show deference to the elders. And you must all clothe yourselves in humility toward one another, for God opposes the proud, but shows mercy to the humble.
Verse Concepts
Everyone must obey the authorities that are over him, for no authority can exist without the permission of God; the existing authorities have been established by him,
Verse Concepts
You married women must subordinate yourselves to your husbands, for that is your duty as Christians.
Verse Concepts
and subordinate yourselves to one another out of reverence to Christ. You married women must subordinate yourselves to your husbands, as you do to the Lord,
Submit to all human authority, for the Master's sake; to the emperor, as supreme, and to governors, as sent by him to punish evil-doers, and to encourage those who do right. For it is the will of God that by doing right you should silence the ignorant charges of foolish people.
The goodness of the lord » The reward for doing good
"You have heard that they were told, 'You must love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for your persecutors, so that you may show yourselves true sons of your Father in heaven, for he makes his sun rise on bad and good alike, and makes the rain fall on the upright and the wrongdoers.
You who are slaves, obey your earthly masters, in reverence and awe, with sincerity of heart, as you would the Christ, not with mere external service, as though you had only men to please, but like slaves of Christ, carrying out the will of God. Do your duties heartily and willingly, as though it were for the Lord, not for men, read more.
for you know that everyone, slave or free, will be rewarded by the Lord for his good conduct.
for you know that everyone, slave or free, will be rewarded by the Lord for his good conduct.
And if you help only those who help you, what merit is there in that? Even godless people act in that way. And if you lend only to people from whom you expect to get something, what merit is there in that? Even godless people lend to godless people, meaning to get it back again in full. But love your enemies, and help them and lend to them, never despairing, and you will be richly rewarded, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind even to the ungrateful and the wicked.
Everyone must obey the authorities that are over him, for no authority can exist without the permission of God; the existing authorities have been established by him, so that anyone who resists the authorities sets himself in opposition to what God has ordained, and those who oppose him will bring down judgment upon themselves. The man who does right has nothing to fear from the magistrates, as the wrongdoer has. If you want to have no fear of the authorities, do right, and they will commend you for it,
The Nation » Ps 137; ro 13 miscellaneous topics relating to, government, kings, rulers, etc » Civic duties
But rather than give offense to them, go down to the sea and throw in a hook. Take the first fish that comes up, open its mouth and you will find in it a dollar. Take that and pay the tax for us both."
Verse Concepts
They answered, "The emperor's." Then he said to them, "Then pay the emperor what belongs to the emperor, and pay God what belongs to God!"
Verse Concepts
Everyone must obey the authorities that are over him, for no authority can exist without the permission of God; the existing authorities have been established by him,
Verse Concepts
Remind men to accept and obey the constituted authorities, to be ready for any useful service,
Verse Concepts
Submit to all human authority, for the Master's sake; to the emperor, as supreme, and to governors, as sent by him to punish evil-doers, and to encourage those who do right.
The Nation » Ps 137; ro 13 miscellaneous topics relating to, government, kings, rulers, etc » To honour rulers
In that same way these dreamers defile the body, make light of authority, and deride majesty.
Verse Concepts
Treat everyone with respect. Love the brotherhood, be reverent to God, respect the emperor.
Verse Concepts
Everyone must obey the authorities that are over him, for no authority can exist without the permission of God; the existing authorities have been established by him,
Verse Concepts
"I did not know, brothers," said Paul, "that he was high priest, for the Scripture says, 'You shall not say anything against any ruler of your people.' "
Verse Concepts
Tribute » Rendering tribute
Everyone must obey the authorities that are over him, for no authority can exist without the permission of God; the existing authorities have been established by him, so that anyone who resists the authorities sets himself in opposition to what God has ordained, and those who oppose him will bring down judgment upon themselves. The man who does right has nothing to fear from the magistrates, as the wrongdoer has. If you want to have no fear of the authorities, do right, and they will commend you for it, read more.
for they are God's agents to do you good. But if you do wrong you may well be afraid, for they do not carry swords for nothing. They are God's servants, to execute his wrath upon wrongdoers. You must obey them, therefore, not only to escape God's wrath, but as a matter of principle, just as you pay your taxes; they are God's ministers, devoting themselves to this service. Pay them all what is due them??ribute to the man entitled to receive it, taxes to the man entitled to receive them, respect to the man entitled to it, and honor to the man entitled to it.
for they are God's agents to do you good. But if you do wrong you may well be afraid, for they do not carry swords for nothing. They are God's servants, to execute his wrath upon wrongdoers. You must obey them, therefore, not only to escape God's wrath, but as a matter of principle, just as you pay your taxes; they are God's ministers, devoting themselves to this service. Pay them all what is due them??ribute to the man entitled to receive it, taxes to the man entitled to receive them, respect to the man entitled to it, and honor to the man entitled to it.
So they sent their disciples to him with the Herodians, to say to him, "Master, we know that you tell the truth, and teach the way of God with sincerity, regardless of the consequences, for you are impartial. So give us your opinion: Is it right to pay the poll-tax to the emperor, or not?" But he saw their malice, and said, read more.
"Why do you put me to such a test, you hypocrites? Show me the poll-tax coin!" And they brought him a denarius. And he said to them, "Whose head and title is this?" They answered, "The emperor's." Then he said to them, "Then pay the emperor what belongs to the emperor, and pay God what belongs to God!"
"Why do you put me to such a test, you hypocrites? Show me the poll-tax coin!" And they brought him a denarius. And he said to them, "Whose head and title is this?" They answered, "The emperor's." Then he said to them, "Then pay the emperor what belongs to the emperor, and pay God what belongs to God!"
And they came up and said to him, "Master, we know that you tell the truth regardless of the consequences, for you are not guided by personal considerations, but teach the way of God with sincerity. Is it right to pay the poll tax to the emperor or not? Should we pay it, or refuse to pay it?" But he saw through their pretense, and said to them, "Why do you put me to such a test? Bring me a denarius to look at." And they brought him one. He said to them, "Whose head and title is this?" And they told him, "The emperor's." read more.
And Jesus said, "Pay the emperor what belongs to the emperor, and pay God what belongs to God!" And they were astonished at him.
And Jesus said, "Pay the emperor what belongs to the emperor, and pay God what belongs to God!" And they were astonished at him.
And they asked him, "Master, we know that you are right in what you say and teach, and that you show no favor, but teach the way of God in sincerity. Is it right for us to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?" But he detected their trickery, and said to them, read more.
"Show me a denarius. Whose head and title does it bear?" They said, "The emperor's." He said to them, "Then pay the emperor what belongs to the emperor, and pay God what belongs to God!"
"Show me a denarius. Whose head and title does it bear?" They said, "The emperor's." He said to them, "Then pay the emperor what belongs to the emperor, and pay God what belongs to God!"
Tribute » Why you should pay tribute
Everyone must obey the authorities that are over him, for no authority can exist without the permission of God; the existing authorities have been established by him, so that anyone who resists the authorities sets himself in opposition to what God has ordained, and those who oppose him will bring down judgment upon themselves. The man who does right has nothing to fear from the magistrates, as the wrongdoer has. If you want to have no fear of the authorities, do right, and they will commend you for it, read more.
for they are God's agents to do you good. But if you do wrong you may well be afraid, for they do not carry swords for nothing. They are God's servants, to execute his wrath upon wrongdoers. You must obey them, therefore, not only to escape God's wrath, but as a matter of principle, just as you pay your taxes; they are God's ministers, devoting themselves to this service.
for they are God's agents to do you good. But if you do wrong you may well be afraid, for they do not carry swords for nothing. They are God's servants, to execute his wrath upon wrongdoers. You must obey them, therefore, not only to escape God's wrath, but as a matter of principle, just as you pay your taxes; they are God's ministers, devoting themselves to this service.