Romans 13:2-7 So-then, the one who is resisting the authority is standing against the commandment of God, and those who are standing against it will be receiving judgment for themselves.

MLV⁽ⁱ⁾ ² So-then, the one who is resisting the authority is standing against the commandment of God, and those who are standing against it will be receiving judgment for themselves. ³ For rulers are not a fear to those of the good works, but to those of the evil works. And you do not wish to be afraid of the authority, do you? Do what is the good thing and you will have praise from it; ⁴ for he is a servant of God to you for what is the good thing. But if you practice what is the evil thing, be afraid; for he is not wearing the sword vainly; for he is a servant of God, an avenger for wrath to the one who is practicing the evil thing. ⁵ Hence, it is a necessity to be subject yourself to him, not only because of the wrath, but also because of the conscience. ⁶ For you are also paying taxes because of this; for they are ministers of God, persevering toward this same thing. ⁷ Therefore give to all, their dues: tribute to whom tribute; tax to whom tax; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.