Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.

For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the one in authority? Then do what is right, and you will have his approval.

Therefore it is necessary to submit to authority, not only to avoid punishment, but also as a matter of conscience.

This is also why you pay taxes. For the authorities are God’s servants, who devote themselves to their work.

Remind the believers to submit to rulers and authorities, to be obedient and ready for every good work,

or to governors as those sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right.

Such punishment is specially reserved for those who indulge the corrupt desires of the flesh and despise authority. Bold and self-willed, they are unafraid to slander glorious beings.