1
Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.
2
Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.
3
For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same.
4
For he is God's minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God's minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.
5
Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience' sake.
6
For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God's ministers attending continually to this very thing.