Romans 13:1-7

“Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed” (v7). Even when living under the oppressive (especially for Jews) rule of Rome, Paul urged believers not to regard government as the enemy, but to be good citizens. While disobedience to government is sometimes necessary (protecting the innocent or preaching the gospel, Acts 4), in general, Christians are called to be peaceful contributors to their civic communities, as signs to unbelievers (I Peter 2:15-16).

“… for the sake of conscience” (v5). When we live with integrity and our consciences are clean, our testimony about Christ shines brightly.