Romans 13:1-7

Contemporary English Version

Obey Rulers

13 ^(A) Obey the rulers who have authority over you. Only God can give authority to anyone, and he puts these rulers in their places of power. ² People who oppose the authorities are opposing what God has done, and they will be punished. ³ Rulers are a threat to evil people, not to good people. There is no need to be afraid of the authorities. Just do right, and they will praise you for it. ⁴ After all, they are God's servants, and it is their duty to help you.

If you do something wrong, you ought to be afraid, because these rulers have the right to punish you. They are God's servants who punish criminals to show how angry God is. ⁵ But you should obey the rulers because you know it is the right thing to do, and not just because of God's anger.

^6 (B) You must also pay your taxes. The authorities are God's servants, and it is their duty to take care of these matters. ⁷ Pay all that you owe, whether it is taxes and fees or respect and honor.