GOD'S WORD Translation GW
New International Version NIV
1 Every person should obey the government in power. No government would exist if it hadn't been established by God. The governments which exist have been put in place by God.
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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.
2 Therefore, whoever resists the government opposes what God has established. Those who resist will bring punishment on themselves.
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Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.
3 People who do what is right don't have to be afraid of the government. But people who do what is wrong should be afraid of it. Would you like to live without being afraid of the government? Do what is right, and it will praise you.
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For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended.
4 The government is God's servant working for your good. But if you do what is wrong, you should be afraid. The government has the right to carry out the death sentence. It is God's servant, an avenger to execute God's anger on anyone who does what is wrong.
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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 wrongdoer.
5 Therefore, it is necessary for you to obey, not only because you're afraid of God's anger but also because of your own conscience.
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Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.
6 That is also why you pay your taxes. People in the government are God's servants while they do the work he has given them.
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This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing.
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Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.