Revised Common Lectionary (Semicontinuous)

13 Every person must obey the rulers over him. Every ruler has his power from God. And the rulers are put there by God.

² So anyone who fights against the ruler, fights against what God put there. And those who fight will be punished.

³ The rulers do not bring fear to a good man, but they bring fear to a bad man. If you do not want to be afraid of a ruler, do what is good and he will praise you.

⁴ Such a person is God's servant and will do what is good for you. But if you do what is wrong, you should fear him. He has great power and he will use it. He is God's servant and will punish those who do wrong.

⁵ So you must obey, not only because of the punishment, but because you know it is right.

⁶ That is why you also pay taxes. The rulers serve God and they give all their time to their work.

⁷ Pay them all that they should have. Pay taxes to the person who should have the taxes. Pay money to the person who should have the money. Respect the people who should be respected. Honour a person who should be honoured.