1 Let every soul be subject to the higher authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are ordained by God.
2 Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will receive judgment on themselves.
3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same.
4 For he is Gods minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is Gods minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.
5 Therefore it is necessary to be subject, not only because of wrath but also because of conscience.
6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are Gods ministers attending continually to this very thing.
7 Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.