LET every soul be subject to the superior powers: for there is no power
but from God; the existing powers are appointed by God. (2)Wherefore he
that sets himself against authority, resists the ordinance of God: and
they who resist shall receive to themselves condemnation. (3)For rulers
are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Wilt thou then not be
afraid of the power? Do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise
from it: (4)for he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou
doest that which is evil, tremble! for he beareth not the sword in
vain: for he is the minister of God, an avenger to inflict wrath on him
that practises what is evil. (5)Wherefore there is a necessity for
being in subjection, not only for fear of wrath, but also for
conscience sake. (6)For on this account pay ye taxes also: for they are
God's ministers, continually employed on this very service. (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 man
any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath
fulfilled the law. (9)For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou
shalt do no murder, 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, even in this, Thou shalt love thy
neighbour as thyself. (10)Love doeth no ill to a neighbour; the
fulfilment therefore of the law is love. (11)And thus do, knowing the
time; for the hour is come that we should awake from sleep, for now our
salvation is nearer than when we believed. (12)The night is far
advanced, the day approaches: let us therefore put off the works of
darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. (13)Let us walk
becomingly as in the face of day, not in revels and drunkenness, not in
impurities and wantonness, not in strife and envy. (14)But put ye on
the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to gratify
its passions.