1Every soul must be subject to the higher authorities, for no authority exists except by God, and those that exist have been appointed by God.2Therefore the one opposing the authority has opposed the ordinance of God, and those who have opposed will receive judgment for themselves.3For the rulers are not a cause of fear to good work but to evil; do you wish not to fear the authority? Do what is good, and you will receive praise from it.4For it is God's servant to you for the good; but if you do what is evil, fear, for it does not bear the sword in vain, for it is God's servant, an avenger for wrath against the one who does evil.5Therefore one must be subject, not only because of wrath but also because of conscience.6For this reason you also pay taxes, for they are ministers of God, attending continually to this very duty.7Pay to all what is owed: tax to whom tax is due, revenue to whom revenue is due, fear to whom fear is due, honor to whom honor is due.