Lessons of obedience to superiors and mutual charity.
13:1. Let every soul be subject to higher powers. For there is no power
but from God: and those that are, are ordained of God.
13:2. Therefore, he that resisteth the power resisteth the ordinance of
God. And they that resist purchase to themselves damnation.
13:3. For 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.
13:4. For 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.
13:5. Wherefore be subject of necessity: not only for wrath, but also
for conscience’ sake.
13:6. For therefore also you pay tribute. For they are the ministers of
God, serving unto this purpose.
13:7. Render therefore to all men their dues. Tribute, to whom tribute
is due: custom, to whom custom: fear, to whom fear: honour, to whom
honour.
13:8. Owe no man any thing, but to love one another. For he that loveth
his neighbour hath fulfilled the law.
13:9. For: 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.
13:10. The love of our neighbour worketh no evil. Love therefore is the
fulfilling of the law.
13:11. And 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.
13:12. The 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.
13:13. Let us walk honestly, as in the day: not in rioting and
drunkenness, not in chambering and impurities, not in contention and
envy.
13:14. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ: and make not provision for
the flesh in its concupiscences.