Submission to Authorities 1Let every soul be subject to the authorities that are above [him]. For there is no authority except from God; and those that exist are set up by God. 2So that he that sets himself in opposition to the authority resists the ordinance of God; and they who [thus] resist shall bring sentence of guilt on themselves. 3For rulers are not a terror to a good work, but to an evil [one]. Dost thou desire then not to be afraid of the authority? practise [what is] good, and thou shalt have praise from it; 4for it is God's minister to thee for good. But if thou practisest evil, fear; for it bears not the sword in vain; for it is God's minister, an avenger for wrath to him that does evil. 5Wherefore it is necessary to be subject, not only on account of wrath, but also on account of conscience. 6For on this account ye pay tribute also; for they are God's officers, attending continually on this very thing. 7Render to all their dues: to whom tribute [is due], tribute; to whom custom, custom; to whom fear, fear; to whom honour, honour. Love Fulfills the Law 8Owe no one anything, unless to love one another: for he that loves another has fulfilled the law. 9For, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not lust; and if there be any other commandment, it is summed up in this word, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 10Love works no ill to its neighbour; love therefore [is the] whole law. Clothe Yourselves with Christ 11This also, knowing the time, that it is already time that we should be aroused out of sleep; for now [is] our salvation nearer than when we believed. 12The night is far spent, and the day is near; let us cast away therefore the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. 13As in the day, let us walk becomingly; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and lasciviousness, not in strife and emulation. 14But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not take forethought for the flesh to [fulfil its] lusts. |
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