1Let every soul be in subjection to the higher authorities: for there is no authority but of God; and the powers that be are ordained of God.
2Therefore he that resisteth the authority, 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 authority? 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 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.
8Owe no man anything, save to love one another: for he that loveth his neighbor hath fulfilled the law.
9For this,
10Love worketh no ill to his neighbor: love therefore is the fulfilment of the law.
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 reveling 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 [fulfill] the lusts [thereof].