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.