1Every1person is to be in 2subjection to the governingauthorities. For 3there is noauthorityexcept from God, and those which exist are established by God.
2
Thereforewhoeverresistsauthority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receivecondemnation upon themselves.
3
For 4rulers are not a cause of fear for goodbehavior, but for evil. Do you want to havenofear of authority? Dowhat is good and you will havepraise from the same;
4
for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you dowhat is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an 5avenger who brings wrath on the one who practicesevil.