²⁰ Like the nations^(A) the Lord destroyed before you, so you will be destroyed for not obeying the Lord your God.^(B)

⁵ With my great power and outstretched arm^(A) I made^(B) the earth and its people and the animals^(C) that are on it, and I give^(D) it to anyone I please. ⁶ Now I will give all your countries into the hands of my servant^(E) Nebuchadnezzar^(F) king of Babylon; I will make even the wild animals subject to him.^{(G) 7} All nations will serve^(H) him and his son and his grandson until the time^(I) for his land comes; then many nations and great kings will subjugate^(J) him.

¹⁵ They show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts sometimes accusing them and at other times even defending them.) ¹⁶ This will take place on the day when God judges people’s secrets^(A) through Jesus Christ,^(B) as my gospel^(C) declares.

Submission to Governing Authorities

13 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities,^(A) for there is no authority except that which God has established.^(B) The authorities that exist have been established by God. ² Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted,^(C) 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 you will be commended.^{(D) 4} For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.^{(E) 5} Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.^(F)

⁶ This is also why you pay taxes,^(G) for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. ⁷ Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes;^(H) if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

¹⁷ If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.^(A)