Tell us then, what do you think? Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”
But Jesus realized their evil intentions and said, “Hypocrites! Why are you testing me?
Show me the coin used for the tax.” So they brought him a denarius.
Jesus said to them, “Whose image is this, and whose inscription?”
They replied, “Caesar’s.” He said to them, “Then give to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”
Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except by God’s appointment, and the authorities that exist have been instituted by God.
So the person who resists such authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will incur judgment
(for rulers cause no fear for good conduct but for bad). Do you desire not to fear authority? Do good and you will receive its commendation,
for it is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be in fear, for it does not bear the sword in vain. It is God’s servant to administer retribution on the wrongdoer.
Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of the wrath of the authorities but also because of your conscience.
For this reason you also pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants devoted to governing.
Pay everyone what is owed: taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due.
Slaves, obey your earthly masters in every respect, not only when they are watching – like those who are strictly people-pleasers – but with a sincere heart, fearing the Lord.
Whatever you are doing, work at it with enthusiasm, as to the Lord and not for people,
because you know that you will receive your inheritance from the Lord as the reward. Serve the Lord Christ.
Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work.
Be subject to every human institution for the Lord’s sake, whether to a king as supreme
or to governors as those he commissions to punish wrongdoers and praise those who do good.
For God wants you to silence the ignorance of foolish people by doing good.
Live as free people, not using your freedom as a pretext for evil, but as God’s slaves.
Honor all people, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the king.
Slaves, be subject to your masters with all reverence, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are perverse.
For this finds God’s favor, if because of conscience toward God someone endures hardships in suffering unjustly.
For what credit is it if you sin and are mistreated and endure it? But if you do good and suffer and so endure, this finds favor with God.
For it is time for judgment to begin, starting with the house of God. And if it starts with us, what will be the fate of those who are disobedient to the gospel of God?