Romans 13:4-6

International Standard Version

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. ⁶ This is also why you pay taxes. For rulers^[e] are God’s servants faithfully devoting themselves to their work.^[f]