Romans 13

1 Everyone should obey government authorities, because no one has the power to rule unless God gives permission. These authorities have been put there by God. 2 Whoever resists the authorities opposes what God has put in place, and those who do so shall find themselves judged accordingly. 3 For rulers don’t frighten those who do right, but those who do wrong. If you don’t want to live in fear of the authorities, then do what is right, and you’ll have their approval. 4 Those in power are God’s servants, put there for your own good. If you do wrong, you should be frightened—it’s not without reason that authorities have the power to punish! They are God’s servants, punishing offenders. 5 So it’s important to do as you’re told, not just because of the threat of punishment, but because of what your conscience tells you. 6 That’s why you have to pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants taking care of such things. 7 Pay whatever you owe: taxes to the tax authorities, fees to the fee-collectors; give respect to those who should be respected, honor those who should be honored.