Romans 13:1-12 ▼

1 LET every soul be subject to the superior powers: for there is no power but from God; the existing powers are appointed by God.

2 Wherefore he that sets himself against authority, resists the ordinance of God: and they who resist shall receive to themselves condemnation.

3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? Do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise from it:

4 for he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou doest that which is evil, tremble! for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, an avenger to inflict wrath on him that practises what is evil.

5 Wherefore there is a necessity for being in subjection, not only for fear of wrath, but also for conscience sake.

6 For on this account pay ye taxes also: for they are God's ministers, continually employed on this very service.

7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due, custom to whom custom, fear to whom fear, honour to whom honour.

8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.

9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is comprised in this word, even in this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

10 Love doeth no ill to a neighbour; the fulfilment therefore of the law is love.

11 And thus do, knowing the time; for the hour is come that we should awake from sleep, for now our salvation is nearer than when we believed.

12 The night is far advanced, the day approaches: let us therefore put off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.