Romans 13:1-5 Let every soul be subject to higher authorities, for there is no authority except from God, but the existing authorities have been ordained by God.

LITV⁽ⁱ⁾ ¹ Let every soul be subject to higher authorities, for there is no authority except from God, but the existing authorities have been ordained by God. ² So that the one resisting authority has opposed the ordinance of God, and the ones opposing will receive judgment to themselves. ³ For the rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the bad. And do you desire not to fear the authority? Do the good, and you will have praise from it; ⁴ for it is a servant of God to you for the good. But if you practice evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is a servant of God, an avenger for wrath to the one practicing evil. ⁵ Because of this, it is necessary to be subject, not only on account of wrath, but also on account of conscience.