Submission to Authorities

(Romans 13:1–7)

13 Therefore[fn] submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to [the] king as the supreme [authority], 14 or to governors as those sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right. 15 For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorance of foolish men.

16 [Live] in freedom, [but] do not use [your] freedom as a cover-up for evil; [live] as servants of God. 17 Treat everyone with high regard: Love the brotherhood [of believers],[fn] fear God, honor the king.

18 Servants, submit yourselves to [your] masters with all respect,[fn] not only to those who [are] good and gentle, but even to those who [are] unreasonable. 19 For if anyone endures the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God, this is to be commended. 20 How is it to your credit if you are beaten for doing wrong and you endure [it]? But if you suffer for doing good [and] you endure [it], this [is] commendable before God.