Thematic Bible: The purpose of government

and glorify God in the times of distress. be subject therefore, for the Lord's sake to every human establishment: whether it be to the king, as supreme; or to governors, as being deputed by him to punish those who do ill,

Be every one of you subject to the ruling powers. for every ruler holds of God: the rulers in being are constituted by God. so that he who opposes the ruler, disobeys the orders of God: and will be punished too for resisting, by those very powers. rulers are not a terror to virtue, but to vice. would you then live without any dread of the civil power? do what is right, and you shall have his commendation. read more.
for his administration is appointed by God for your good. but if you do wrong, you have reason to be afraid; for he bears not the sword in vain: he being the minister of God, to execute punishment upon malefactors. wherefore you ought to submit not only from an apprehension of punishment, but from a principle of conscience. for this is the reason why you also pay tribute, because under God, they are continually attending upon the publick administration. render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due, custom to whom custom, reverence to whom reverence, honour to whom honour.