1 Everyone 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. 2
Consequently, he who rebels
against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and
those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3
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 he will commend you. 4 For 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 wrong-doer. 5Therefore it is necessary to submit to
the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because
of conscience.
6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants,
who give their full time to governing. 7 Give everyone what you owe
him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if
respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one
another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. 9
The
commandments, "Do not commit adultery,", "Do not
murder," "Do not steal," "Do not covert," and
whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule:
"Love your neighbor as yourself." 10
Love does no harm to its
neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
For more a commentary on verse 8 see our Bible
Study on Finance and Chris
Marshall's commentary.