Be Subject to the Governing Authorities

13 Every person must be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and [fn]the authorities that exist have been appointed by God. 2 So then, whoever resists authority opposes what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good [fn]works, but to evil works. Do yoʋ wish to have no fear of the one in authority? Do what is good, and yoʋ will have praise from him. 4 For he is God's servant for your good. But if yoʋ do evil, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. As God's servant, he is an avenger who executes wrath on the one who does evil. 5 Therefore it is necessary to be subject to authority, not only because of wrath, but also because of conscience. 6 That is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are servants of God, attending continually to this work. 7 [fn]Therefore render to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, fear to whom fear is due, and honor to whom honor is due.