Romans 13

Submit to Government

1 Let every person submit to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except by God, and the authorities that exist are established by God. 2 Consequently the one resisting the authority has opposed the ordinance of God, and those opposing shall receive judgment to themselves. 3 For rulers are not a fear to good works, but to evil. And do you wish not to fear the authority? Do what is good, and you shall have praise from the same. 4 For he is God’s servant to you for good. But if you do evil, fear; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s servant, an avenger for wrath to the one practicing evil. 5 Therefore it is necessary to be subject, not only on account of wrath, but also for conscience' sake. 6 For on account of this you also pay taxes, for they are ministers of God, always giving attention to this very thing. 7 Render therefore to all their dues: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.