2 So those who are against the government are really against what God has commanded. And they will bring punishment on themselves.
3 Those who do right do not have to fear the rulers; only those who do wrong fear them. Do you want to be unafraid of the rulers? Then do what is right, and they will praise you.
4 The ruler is God’s servant to help you. But if you do wrong, then be afraid. He has the power to punish; he is God’s servant to punish those who do wrong.
5 So you must yield to the government, not only because you might be punished, but because you know it is right.
6 This is also why you pay taxes. Rulers are working for God and give their time to their work.
7 Pay everyone, then, what you owe. If you owe any kind of tax, pay it. Show respect and honor to them all.
8 Do not owe people anything, except always owe love to each other, because the person who loves others has obeyed all the law.