Yes, Romans 13:3 contains a striking promise: For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval.
When interacting with those who stand above us and have power over us, doing good works normally poses no danger. However, it was not unusual during the time of the first century to fear unpredictable rulers. Citizens did not yet enjoy the legal protections they later would in most Western countries. The best method of overcoming that fear was not by means of secret disobedience, nor by cursing the authorities privately, but by doing that which is good instead. In short, to provide that which the authorities demand from you. As such, you will be praised when you pay taxes. Besides, in Rome there was already an established tradition of publicly acknowledging the benefactions performed by (rich) citizens for the benefit of society as a whole.1 Paul also here conveys a promise: the Lord himself will ensure that faithful Christians will find favour with the governing authorities. Paul is not writing this as an opportunist, but from his conviction that the Lord is the One who confers authority on rulers or deprives them of it.2
3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval,