1 Let every soul submit itself to the higher powers. For there is no power but of God, and the powers that be are ordained of God. 2 Whosoever therefore resists the power, resists the ordinance of God, and those that resist shall receive condemnation to themselves. 3 For the magistrates are not a terror unto those who do good, but to the doer of evil. Is thy desire therefore to not fear the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same; 4 for he is a minister of God for thy good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain, for he is a minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that does evil. 5 Therefore it is necessary that ye be subject, not only for punishment, but also for conscience sake. 6 For this cause ye also pay them tribute, for they are God’s ministers, attending continually to this very thing. 7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
8 Owe no one anything, but love one unto another; for he that loves his neighbour has fulfilled the law. 9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not murder, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet, and if there is any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 10 Charity works no evil to a neighbour; therefore, charity is the fulfillment of the law.
11 And this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awaken ourselves out of sleep, for now is our saving health nearer than when we believed. 12 The night is past, and the day is come; let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us clothe ourselves with the weapons of light. 13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day, not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. 14 But be clothed with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not listen to the flesh, to fulfil its desires.