Romans 13:1-7 (NKJV)
Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except
from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. 2 Therefore whoever
resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring
judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you
want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the
same. 4 For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does
not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him
who practices evil. 5 Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also
for conscience’ sake. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God’s
ministers attending continually to this very thing. 7 Render therefore to all their due:
taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to
whom honor.
