'Authorities' in the Bible

Every person must be subject to the governing authorities, for no authority exists except by God's permission. The existing authorities have been established by God,

so that whoever resists the authorities opposes what God has established, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.

For the authorities are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you like to live without being afraid of the authorities? Then do what is right, and you will receive their approval.

But if you do what is wrong, you should be afraid, for it is not without reason that they bear the sword. Indeed, they are God's servants to administer punishment to anyone who does wrong. Therefore, it is necessary for you to be acquiescent to the authorities, not only for the sake of God's punishment, but also for the sake of your own conscience.