Romans 13

Be Subject to Government

1 Every *13:1 Or soulperson is to be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except *13:1 Lit byfrom God, and those which exist are established by God. 2 Therefore *13:2 Lit the one whowhoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. 3 For rulers are not a cause of fear for *13:3 Lit good workgood behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; 4 for it is a servant of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a servant of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. 5 Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for the sake of conscience. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing. 7 Pay to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; *13:7 I.e., for authority; lit fearrespect to whom *13:7 I.e., for authority; lit fearrespect; honor to whom honor.