1 Let every soul to the higher authorities be subject, for there is no authority except from God, and the authorities existing are appointed by God,2 so that he who is setting himself against the authority, against God's ordinance has resisted; and those resisting, to themselves shall receive judgment.3 For those ruling are not a terror to the good works, but to the evil; and do you wish not to be afraid of the authority? that which is good be doing, and you shall have praise from it,4 for of God it is a ministrant to you for good; and if that which is evil you may do, be fearing, for not in vain does it bear the sword; for of God it is a ministrant, an avenger for wrath to him who is doing that which is evil.5 Therefore it is necessary to be subject, not only because of the wrath, but also because of the conscience,6 for because of this also pay you tribute; for servants of God they are, on this very thing attending continually;7 render, therefore, to all their dues; to whom tribute, the tribute; to whom custom, the custom; to whom fear, the fear; to whom honour, the honour.