Christians Should Obey the Law

13 All of you must ·yield [obey; submit; be subject] to the government ·rulers [authorities]. [^LBecause; For] ·No one rules [^LThere is no authority] ·unless God has given him the power to rule [^Lexcept by/through God], and ·no one rules now without that power from God [^Lthose that exist are appointed/established by God]. ² So those who ·are against the government [rebel/resist the authority] are really ·against [resisting; opposing] what God has ·commanded [ordained; instituted]. And they will bring ·punishment [judgment] on themselves. ³ [^LFor] Those who do ·right [good] do not have to fear the rulers; only those who do ·wrong [evil] fear them. Do you want to be unafraid of the ·rulers [^Lauthority]? Then do what is ·right [good], and they will ·praise [commend] you. ⁴ The ruler is God’s servant ·to help you [for your good]. But if you do wrong, then be afraid. ·He has the power to punish [^LFor he does not bear the sword in vain]; he is God’s servant ·to punish [an avenger for (God’s) wrath to] those who do wrong. ⁵ So you must ·yield [submit; be subject] to the government, not only because ·you might be punished [^Lof wrath], but because ·you know it is right [of (your) conscience].

⁶ This is also why you pay taxes. [^LBecause] Rulers are ·working for God [God’s servants/ministers] ·and give their time to [devoting themselves to] their work. ⁷ Pay everyone what you owe them: taxes to those you owe taxes, ·fees [tolls] to those you owe ·fees [tolls], ·respect [reverence; fear] to those you owe ·respect [reverence; fear], and honor to those you owe honor.