1 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. 2 Therefore he who resists the authority, withstands the ordinance of
God; and those who withstand will receive to themselves judgment. 3 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, 4 for he is a servant of God to you for good. But if
you do that which is evil, be afraid, for he doesn’t bear the sword in vain;
for he is a minister of God, an avenger for wrath to him who does evil.
5 Therefore you need to be in subjection, not only because of the
wrath, but also for conscience’ sake. 6 For this reason you also pay
taxes, for they are ministers of God’s service, attending continually on this
very thing. 7 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. 8 Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for he who loves
his neighbor has fulfilled the law.
9 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,”*1 and
whatever other commandments there are, are all summed up in this saying,
namely, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 10 Love doesn’t harm a
neighbor. Love therefore is the fulfillment of the law. 11 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. 12 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. 13 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. 14 But put on the Lord
Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, for its lusts.
1 TR adds “You shall not give false testimony,”
World English Bible - Public Domain |
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