Romans 13:6-7 : For this cause ye pay tribute also: for they are ministers of God's service, attending continually upon this very thing. Render to all they dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor. Tribute has special reference to "the annual tax levied upon houses, lands, and persons." The Christian must pay his taxes; the officers of the government must be paid, "for they are ministers of God's service." No Christian should try to avoid paying his just share of government expenses it is common honesty, as well as a Christian duty. Our Lord taught the Jews to pay their taxes (Matthew 22:15-22). "Render to all their dues"; or, Pay to all what you owe. Pay tribute and custom to whom they are due. Tribute--direct taxes on a person and his property; custom is revenue levied on imports and trades. So long as we live in the flesh, even if all people were Christians, we need civil governments; for there are things that must be done, that the church as a body is not authorized to do.