Bible Verses About Citizens

Since this is beyond dispute, you had better calm down and not do anything rash.

For you have brought these men here who have neither robbed the temple nor insulted your goddess.

So if Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen have a complaint against anyone, the courts are open and the judges are there — let them bring charges and counter-charges.

But if there is something more you want, it will have to be settled in a lawful assembly.

For we are in danger of being accused of rioting on account of what has happened today. There is no justification for it; and if we are asked, we will be unable to give any reasonable explanation for this disorderly gathering.”

And with these words, he dismissed the assembly.

Everyone is to obey the governing authorities. For there is no authority that is not from God, and the existing authorities have been placed where they are by God.

Therefore, whoever resists the authorities is resisting what God has instituted; and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.

For rulers are no terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you like to be unafraid of the person in authority? Then simply do what is good, and you will win his approval;

Another reason to obey, besides fear of punishment, is for the sake of conscience.

This is also why you pay taxes; for the authorities are God’s public officials, constantly attending to these duties.

Pay everyone what he is owed: if you owe the tax-collector, pay your taxes; if you owe the revenue-collector, pay revenue; if you owe someone respect, pay him respect; if you owe someone honor, pay him honor.

First of all, then, I counsel that petitions, prayers, intercessions and thanksgivings be made for all human beings,

including kings and all in positions of prominence; so that we may lead quiet and peaceful lives, being godly and upright in everything.

For the sake of the Lord, submit yourselves to every human authority — whether to the emperor as being supreme,

or to governors as being sent by him to punish wrongdoers and praise those who do what is good.

For it is God’s will that your doing good should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people.

Submit as people who are free, but not letting your freedom serve as an excuse for evil; rather, submit as God’s slaves.