1 Let every soul be subject to offices of authority that rank higher, for there is no office of authority if not by God, and the offices of authority that are by God, are those that have been instituted.

2 So that he who resists the office of authority has opposed the ordinance of God, and those who have opposed will receive condemnation to themselves.

3 For rulers are not a source of fear to the good works, but to the evil. And do thou desire not to fear the office of authority? Do what is good, and thou will have praise from it.

4 For he is a helper of God to thee for what is good. But if thou do what is evil, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is a helper of God, vengeful for wrath to the man who commits evil.

5 Therefore there is a need to be subordinate, not only because of the wrath, but also because of the conscience.

6 For because of this ye also fulfill taxes, for they are servants of God being devoted to this same thing.

7 Render therefore to all, the things due: tax to the man of tax, tribute to the man of tribute, fear to the man of fear, esteem to the man of esteem.