1 Let every soul be subject to the superior powers. For there is no power except from God, and the [powers] which exist have been ordained by God. 2 So that he who resists the power resists the ordinance of God; and those who resist shall receive judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Will you not fear the power? Do good, and you shall have praise from it; 4 for [the power] is God's minister to you for good. But if you do evil, fear; for it bears not the sword in vain; for it is God's minister of justice for punishment to him that does evil. 5 Wherefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only on account of punishment, but also on account of conscience. 6 For on this account also you pay taxes; for [magistrates] are servants of God attending constantly to this same thing. 7 Pay to all their dues; a tax to whom a tax is due, a toll to whom a toll is due, fear to whom fear, and honor to whom honor.
8 Owe no man any thing, except to love one another; for he that loves another has fully performed the law. 9 For this, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not kill, You shall not steal, You shall not desire inordinately, and if there is any other commandment, it is summarily comprehended in this word; You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
10 Love does no evil to a neighbor; love therefore is the sum of the law.
11 And [do] this, knowing the time, that it is already the hour that we should be waked from sleep, for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. 12 The night is far advanced, and the day is at hand; let us lay aside therefore the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. 13 Let us walk becomingly, as in the day; not in revelries and drinking, not in lewdness and excesses, not in strife and envy; 14 but put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for desires of the flesh.