1. All of you must obey the government rulers. No one rules unless God has given him the power to rule. And no one rules now without that power from God.
2. So if anyone is against the government, he is really against what God has commanded. And so he brings punishment on himself.
3. Those who do right do not have to fear the rulers. But people who do wrong must fear them. Do you want to be unafraid of the rulers? Then do what is right, and the ruler will praise you.
4. He is God’s servant to help you. But if you do wrong, then be afraid. The ruler has the power to punish; he is God’s servant to punish those who do wrong.