Romans 13:1-7 Every person must be submissive to the ruling authorities, for all authorities come from God. And the existence of authorities has been established by God.

AUV⁽ⁱ⁾ ¹ Every person must be submissive to the ruling authorities, for all authorities come from God. And the existence of authorities has been established by God. ² Therefore, the person who resists [these] authorities is opposing what God has ordained. And those who oppose [these authorities] will bring judgment on themselves. ³ For [our] rulers are not a threat to [the person doing] a good deed, but to [the person doing] an evil one. So, do you want to avoid having to be afraid of the authorities? Then do what is good and you will be commended by them [generally]. ⁴ For they are servants of God for your good. But you should be afraid if you do what is evil, because they do not carry the sword [i.e., for executing criminals] for nothing. For they are servants of God who take revenge [on wrongdoing] by punishing the person who does evil. ⁵ Therefore, you must submit [to the authorities], not only because of [the threat of] punishment, but also for the sake of [your] conscience. ⁶ This is the reason why you should pay taxes also. For the authorities are God’s servants who continually tend to this matter [i.e., of collecting taxes]. ⁷ [So], pay everyone what you owe them; pay taxes to the tax collector; pay revenue to the revenue collector; show respect to the one deserving it; give honor to the one deserving it.