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13 Every soul be subject to higher powers. For there is no power but of God, and those things that be of God, be ordained.

Therefore he that against-standeth power, against-standeth the ordinance of God; and they that against-stand, get to themselves damnation.

For princes be not to the dread of good work, but of evil. But wilt thou, that thou dread not power? Do thou good thing, and thou shalt have praising of it [Soothly wilt thou not dread power? Do good, and thou shalt have praising of it];

for he is the minister of God to thee into good. But if thou doest evil, dread thou [Soothly, if thou doest evil, dread]; for not without cause he beareth the sword, for he is the minister of God, venger into wrath to him that doeth evil.

And therefore by need be ye subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience.

For therefore [and] ye give tributes, they be the ministers of God, and serve for this same thing [for this same thing serving].

Therefore yield ye to all men debts, to whom tribute, tribute, to whom toll, toll [to whom toll, or custom for things borne about, toll, or such custom], to whom dread, dread, to whom honour, honour.

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Submission to Governing Authorities

13 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities,(A) for there is no authority except that which God has established.(B) The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted,(C) and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended.(D) For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.(E) Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.(F)

This is also why you pay taxes,(G) for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes;(H) if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

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