Be subject to the government

Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 1 Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. 2 

Whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. Do what is right and you will commended. For the one in authority is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God's servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoers. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of punishment but also as a matter of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honour, then honour. 3 

 Give back to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's. 4 Show proper respect to everyone, fear God, honour the emperor. 5

 I urge that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Saviour. 6 1 Rom 13.1 2 1Pet 2.13-14 3 Rom 13.2-7 4 Lk 20.25 5 1Pet 2.17 6 1Tim 2.1-3