It Is Our Duty to Obey Rulers, Who Are God’s Ministers and Punish Evil Doers Only
Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God; the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever, therefore, resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God; and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good work, but to evil.... For this cause pay ye tribute also; for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. (Rom. 13: 1, 2, 3, 6.)
The Scribes and Pharisees sit in Moses seat; all, therefore, whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do. (Mat. 23: 2, 3.)
Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake; whether it be to the king as supreme, or unto governors as unto them that are sent of him for the punishment of evil-doers. (1 Pet. 2: 13, 14.)
I counsel thee to keep the king’s commandment.... Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing. (Eccl. 8: 2, 5.)