1Let every soul be in subjection to the higher powers : for there is no power but of God ; and the powers that be are ordained of God . 2Therefore he that resisteth the power , withstandeth the ordinance of God : and they that withstand shall receive to themselves judgment . 3For rulers are not a terror to the good work , but to the evil . And wouldest thou have no fear of the power ? do that which is good , and thou shalt have praise from the same : 4for he is a minister of God to thee for good . But if thou do that which is evil , be afraid ; for he beareth not the sword in vain : for he is a minister of God , an avenger for wrath to him that doeth evil . 5Wherefore ye must needs be in subjection , not only because of the wrath , but also for conscience ’ sake . 6For for this cause ye pay tribute also ; for they are ministers of God ’s service, attending continually upon this very thing . 7Render to all their dues : tribute to whom tribute is due ; custom to whom custom ; fear to whom fear ; honor to whom honor .
Love Fulfills the Law
8Owe no man anything , save to love one another : for he that loveth his neighbor hath fulfilled the law . 9For this , Thou shalt not commit adultery , Thou shalt not kill , Thou shalt not steal , Thou shalt not covet , and if there be any other commandment , it is summed up in this word , namely , Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself . 10Love worketh no ill to his neighbor : love therefore is the fulfilment of the law .
Living in the Light
11And this , knowing the season , that already it is time for you to awake out of sleep : for now is salvation nearer to us than when we first believed . 12The night is far spent , and the day is at hand : let us therefore cast off the works of darkness , and let us put on the armor of light . 13Let us walk becomingly, as in the day ; not in revelling and drunkenness , not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and jealousy . 14But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ , and make not provision for the flesh , to fulfil the lusts thereof .