1. Let every person be subordinate to the higher authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been established by God.
2. Therefore, whoever resists authority opposes what God has appointed, and those who oppose it will bring judgment upon themselves.
3. For rulers are not a cause of fear to good conduct, but to evil. Do you wish to have no fear of authority? Then do what is good and you will receive approval from it,
4. for it is a servant of God for your good. But if you do evil, be afraid, for it does not bear the sword without purpose; it is the servant of God to inflict wrath on the evildoer.