Romans 13:1-7

Modern English Version

Subjection to Authorities

13 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those that exist are appointed by God. ² Therefore whoever resists the authority resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. ³ Rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil works. Do you wish to have no fear of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from him, ⁴ for he is the servant of God for your good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain, for he is the servant of God, an avenger to execute wrath upon him who practices evil. ⁵ So it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for the sake of conscience.

⁶ For this reason you also pay taxes, for they are God’s servants, devoting themselves to this very thing. ⁷ Render to all what is due them: taxes to whom taxes are due, respect to whom respect is due, fear to whom fear is due, and honor to whom honor is due.