Romans 13:1-5

Submission to the Authorities

¹ Let every person _p be subject to the governing authorities. For _q there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. ² Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. ³ For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you _r will receive his approval, ⁴ for _s he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, _t an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. ⁵ Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also _u for the sake of conscience.

1. Cross References
   Titus 3:1
   Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work.
   1 Peter 2:13
   Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme.
   
2. Cross References
   John 19:11
   Jesus answered him, "You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. Therefore he who delivered me over to you has the greater sin.
   Daniel 2:21
   He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.
   
3. Cross References
   1 Peter 2:14
   Or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good.
   
4. Cross References
   2 Chronicles 19:6
   And said to the judges, "Consider what you do, for you judge not for man but for the Lord. He is with you in giving judgment.
   
5. Cross References
   1 Thessalonians 4:6
   That no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you.
   
6. Cross References
   1 Peter 2:19
   For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly.
   Ecclesiastes 8:2
   I say: Keep the king's command, because of God's oath to him.