Chapter 13
001
Let every soul be in subjection to the higher authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those who exist are ordained by God.
002
Therefore she who resists the authority, withstands the ordinance of God; and those who withstand will receive to themselves judgment.
003
For rulers are not a terror to the good work, but to the evil. Do you desire to have no fear of the authority? Do that which is good, and you will have praise from the same,
004
for she is a servant of God to you for good. But if you do that which is evil, be afraid, for she doesn't bear the sword in vain; for she is a servant of God, an avenger for wrath to her who does evil.
005
Therefore you need to be in subjection, not only because of the wrath, but also for conscience' sake.
006
For this reason you also pay taxes, for they are servants of God's service, attending continually on this very thing.
007
Give therefore to everyone what you owe: taxes to whom taxes are due; customs to whom customs; respect to whom respect; honor to whom honor.
008
Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for she who loves her neighbor has fulfilled the law.
009
For the commandments, "You shall not commit adultery," "You shall not murder," "You shall not steal," "You shall not give false testimony," "You shall not covet,"{TR adds "You shall not give false testimony,"}{Exodus 20:13-15,17; Deuteronomy 5:17-19,21} and whatever other commandments there are, are all summed up in this saying, namely, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."
010
Love doesn't harm a neighbor. Love therefore is the fulfillment of the law.
011
Do this, knowing the time, that it is already time for you to awaken out of sleep, for salvation is now nearer to us than when we first believed.
012
The night is far gone, and the day is near. Let's therefore throw off the works of darkness, and let's put on the armor of light.
013
Let us walk properly, as in the day; not in reveling and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and lustful acts, and not in strife and jealousy.
014
But put on the Domina Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, for its lusts.