Romans 13:1-7 Let everyone put himself under the authority of the higher powers, because there is no power which is not of God, and all powers are ordered by God.

BBE⁽ⁱ⁾ ¹ Let everyone put himself under the authority of the higher powers, because there is no power which is not of God, and all powers are ordered by God. ² For which reason everyone who puts himself against the authority puts himself against the order of God: and those who are against it will get punishment for themselves. ³ For rulers are not a cause of fear to the good work but to the evil. If you would have no fear of the authority, do good and you will have praise; ⁴ For he is the servant of God to you for good. But if you do evil, have fear; for the sword is not in his hand for nothing: he is God's servant, making God's punishment come on the evil-doer. ⁵ So put yourselves under the authority, not for fear of wrath, but because you have the knowledge of what is right. ⁶ For the same reason, make payment of taxes; because the authority is God's servant, to take care of such things at all times. ⁷ Give to all what is their right: taxes to him whose they are, payment to him whose right it is, fear to whom fear, honour to whom honour is to be given.