Romans 13:1–8

Be Subject to Government

¹Every ^1aperson is to be in ^bsubjection to the governing authorities. For ^cthere is no authority except ²from God, and those which exist are established by God.

²Therefore ¹whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves.

³For ^arulers are not a cause of fear for ¹good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same;

⁴for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an ^aavenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil.

⁵Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also ^afor conscience’ sake.

⁶For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing.

^7aRender to all what is due them: ^btax to whom tax is due; ^ccustom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.

⁸Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for ^ahe who loves ¹his neighbor has fulfilled the law.