Romans 13:6

Pay ye tribute. Better, “you pay tribute.” The Greek may be translated either way. The context suggests that this is not a command but a statement of fact. Evidently the early Christians regarded it as a matter of principle to pay taxes, perhaps in obedience to the teaching of Christ (Luke 20:20-25), as reflected in Rom. 13:7. By thus supporting the civil government with their tribute, the Christians were acknowledging that they owed obedience to the state as ordained of God “for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well” (1 Peter 2:14).

Ministers. Gr. leitourgoi, “servants,” “public servants,” the source of our English word “liturgy.” This is not the same word that is translated “minister” in v. 4 (see comment there). Both words are used of secular services, but this term is also specially applied to priestly ministry (see Rom. 15:16; Heb. 8:2). By the use of this term Paul may be emphasizing the propriety and necessity of obedience to civil powers by investing them with a certain sacredness of character as “God’s public servants.”

Attending continually. Or, “persevering.” The word thus rendered is translated “continuing instant” in ch. 12:12.

This very thing. That is, the service of God described in vs. 3, 4.