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¹Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. ²Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. ³For 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 he will commend you. ⁴For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. ⁵Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. ⁶This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. ⁷Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

God wants rulers—no matter what the system of government or the political ideology—to govern fairly and with justice. God may use human agencies and institutions, such as the ballot box, to promote justice.

In some cases, God permits unjust rulers to seize power. This doesn't mean God participates in their evil activities. Still, he can direct human deeds—good or evil—to accomplish his greater purposes, which are always good. For example, God allowed wicked Babylon to discipline the nation of Judah. He permitted brutal rulers to conquer his people in the hopes that his people would turn again to him.

This passage doesn't address the issue of civil disobedience, but other passages do (see Luke 6:29-39). When government intrudes into God's realm of morality and religion, believers must obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29; also see Daniel 3:6).

Do you want to know more about how Christians should relate to our government? Download our Bible study God and Government or our 9-week course Government & Law.

A sample from the best-selling Quest Study Bible. Copyright © Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved. www.Zondervan.com. To order, click here.

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