1 Let every soul submit itself to the higher powers. For there is no power but of God, and the powers that be are ordained of God.
2 Whosoever therefore resists the power, resists the ordinance of God, and those that resist shall receive condemnation to themselves.
3 For the magistrates are not a terror unto those who do good, but to the [doer of] evil. Is thy desire therefore to not fear the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same;
4 for he is [a] minister of God for thy good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain, for he is [a] minister of God, a revenger to [execute] wrath upon him that does evil.
5 Therefore it is necessary that [ye] be subject, not only for punishment, but also for conscience sake.
6 For for this cause ye also pay [them] tribute, for they are God's ministers, attending continually to this very thing.
7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute [is due]; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.