 | Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. |
 | Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. |
 | Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience' sake. For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing. |
| Romans 13:5-6 |
Commentary
Believers must obey government not only because it is their civic duty, but because it is their spiritual duty before God. Paying taxes is the most obvious and universal expression of support for civil government.
Radmacher, E. D., Allen, R. B., & House, H. W. (1999). Nelson's new illustrated Bible commentary (Ro 13:5-6). Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers.
Taxes
Jesus explicitly taught that taxes are to be paid-even to the pagan Roman government (Matt. 22:17-21). He also set an example by willingly paying the temple tax (Matt. 17:24-27).
MacArthur, J. J. (1997, c1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed.) (Ro 13:6). Nashville: Word Pub.