Romans 13:1-7
1 Everyone must submit
himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except
that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established
by God.
2 Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against
what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.
3 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 he will commend you.
4 For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid,
for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent
of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.
5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because
of possible punishment but also because of conscience.
6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants,
who give their full time to governing.
7 Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue,
then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
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