Chapter 13

¹Let every soul be subject to the authorities that are above [him]. For there is no authority except from God; and those that exist are set up by God. ²So that he that sets himself in opposition to the authority resists the ordinance of God; and they who [thus] resist shall bring sentence of guilt on themselves. ³For rulers are not a terror to a good work, but to an evil [one]. Dost thou desire then not to be afraid of the authority? practise [what is] good, and thou shalt have praise from it; ⁴for it is God`s minister to thee for good. But if thou practisest evil, fear; for it bears not the sword in vain; for it is God`s minister, an avenger for wrath to him that does evil. ⁵Wherefore it is necessary to be subject, not only on account of wrath, but also on account of conscience. ⁶For on this account ye pay tribute also; for they are God`s officers, attending continually on this very thing. ⁷Render to all their dues: to whom tribute [is due], tribute; to whom custom, custom; to whom fear, fear; to whom honour, honour. ⁸Owe no one anything, unless to love one another: for he that loves another has fulfilled the law. ⁹For, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not lust; and if there be any other commandment, it is summed up in this word, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. ¹⁰Love works no ill to its neighbour; love therefore [is the] whole law. ¹¹This also, knowing the time, that it is already time that we should be aroused out of sleep; for now [is] our salvation nearer than when we believed. ¹²The night is far spent, and the day is near; let us cast away therefore the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. ¹³As in the day, let us walk becomingly; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and lasciviousness, not in strife and emulation. ¹⁴But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not take forethought for the flesh to [fulfil its] lusts.