Romans 13:1-7

New Century Version

Christians Should Obey the Law

13 All of you must yield to the government rulers. No one rules unless God has given him the power to rule, and no one rules now without that power from God. ² So those who are against the government are really against what God has commanded. And they will bring punishment on themselves. ³ Those who do right do not have to fear the rulers; only those who do wrong fear them. Do you want to be unafraid of the rulers? Then do what is right, and they will praise you. ⁴ The ruler is God’s servant to help you. But if you do wrong, then be afraid. He has the power to punish; he is God’s servant to punish those who do wrong. ⁵ So you must yield to the government, not only because you might be punished, but because you know it is right.

⁶ This is also why you pay taxes. Rulers are working for God and give their time to their work. ⁷ Pay everyone, then, what you owe. If you owe any kind of tax, pay it. Show respect and honor to them all.