1 Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God.
2 Consequently, the one who resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.
3 For rulers are not a terror for those who do good works, but to those who do evil. Do you want to have no fear of the one in authority? do that which is good, and you shall have his praise:
4 For he is God's servant to you for good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain; he is God's servant, an avenger to execute wrath on the wrongdoer.
5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to authority, not only to avoid punishment, but also as a matter of conscience.
6 This is also why you pay taxes. For the authorities are God’s servants, who devote themselves to their work.
7 Therefore give everyone what you owe: if you owe taxes, pay taxes; if customs, then customs; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
8 Be in debt to no man — apart from the debt of love one to another. He who loves his fellow-man has fulfilled the law.
9 The commandments “Do not commit adultery,” “Do not murder,” “Do not steal,” “Do not covet,” and any other commandments, are summed up in this one decree: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”