Romans 13:3-5

International Standard Version

³ For the authorities are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you like to live without being afraid of the authorities? Then do what is right, and you will receive their approval. ⁴ For they are God’s servants, working for your good.

But if you do what is wrong, you should be afraid, for it is not without reason that they bear the sword. Indeed, they are God’s servants to administer punishment^[a] to anyone who does wrong. ⁵ Therefore, it is necessary for you to be acquiescent to the authorities,^[b] not only for the sake of God’s^[c] punishment,^[d] but also for the sake of your own conscience.