Romans 13:1
NASB
Rom 13:1
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Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.
Rom 13:2
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Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves.
Rom 13:3
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For rulers are not a cause of fear for 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;
Rom 13:4
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for it is a minister 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 minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil.
Rom 13:5
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Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience' sake.
Rom 13:6
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For because of this you also pay taxes, for {rulers} are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing.
Rom 13:7
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Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax {is due;} custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.
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