13 Everyone should be subject to the authorities who are over them, because there’s no authority except through God, and they’re appointed by God. 2 So anyone opposing authority has rebelled against what God has instituted, and everyone who rebels is bringing judgement on themselves, 3 because rulers don’t evoke fear in people doing good, just those doing evil. Oh, so you don’t want to be afraid of the authorities? Then do good, and you’ll receive praise from them instead, 4 because they’re God’s servants for your good. But if you’re doing evil, then you should rightly be afraid, because the authorities aren’t armed without reason—they’re God’s servants to dispense severe anger to people doing evil. 5 Hence it’s necessary to be subject to them, not only to avoid their severe anger, but also because of your consciences.

6 That’s also why you believers should pay the taxes that you owe,[ref] because the authorities are God’s servants, and they work hard at it. 7 So fulfil all of your obligations: if it’s tax then pay it, or revenue then give it, or if it’s respect then show it, or giving honour then do it.