In chapter 12, Paul starts giving out ministerial advice in an abridged fashion to that of 1 Corinthians. He urges the church to pursue holiness and to love each other.
He also gives specifics about the role of the Christian vis a vis the state. The Christian should submit to the government and pay taxes.
This is an investing statement to the make to the church of the capital city. One would think it would be more necessary to remind the colonized and conquered regions to pay taxes.
I have heard of various Christian groups abstaining from democratic participation for various reasons. Personally, I think if we are commanded to pay taxes, then other civic duties would follow to the extent they are not incompatible with the Christian beliefs. This would include jury duty and voting. However, military service is much more debatable.
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