Chapter 13

¹Let every soul be subject to higher powers: for there is no power but from God: and those that are, are ordained of God. ²Therefore he that resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God. And they that resist, purchase to themselves damnation. ³For princes are not a terror to the good work, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? Do that which is good: and thou shalt have praise from the same. ⁴For he is God's minister to thee, for good. But if thou do that which is evil, fear: for he beareth not the sword in vain. For he is God's minister: an avenger to execute wrath upon him that doth evil. ⁵Wherefore be subject of necessity, not only for wrath, but also for conscience' sake. ⁶For therefore also you pay tribute. For they are the ministers of God, serving unto this purpose. ⁷Render therefore to all men their dues. Tribute, to whom tribute is due: custom, to whom custom: fear, to whom fear: honour, to whom honour. ⁸Owe no man any thing, but to love one another. For he that loveth his neighbour, hath fulfilled the law. ⁹For Thou shalt not commit adultery: Thou shalt not kill: Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness: Thou shalt not covet: and if there be any other commandment, it is comprised in this word, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. ¹⁰The love of our neighbour worketh no evil. Love therefore is the fulfilling of the law. ¹¹And that knowing the season; that it is now the hour for us to rise from sleep. For now our salvation is nearer than when we believed. ¹²The night is passed, and the day is at hand. Let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and put on the armour of light. ¹³Let us walk honestly, as in the day: not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and impurities, not in contention and envy: ¹⁴But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh in its concupiscences.