Study Desk

Every ^(F1)(C1)person is to be ^(C2)subject to the governing authorities. For ^(C3)there is no authority except ^(F2)from God, and those which exist are established by God.

Therefore ^(F1)whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves.

For ^(C1)rulers are not a cause of fear for ^(F1)good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same;

for it is a servant of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a servant of God, an ^(C1)avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil.

Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also ^(C1)for the sake of conscience.

For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing.

^(C1)Pay to all what is due them: ^(C2)tax to whom tax is due; ^(C3)custom to whom custom; ^(F1)respect to whom ^(F1)respect; honor to whom honor.