Submission to Authorities
(1 Peter 2:13–20)

1Let every soul be in subjection to the authorities that are over him; for there is no authority, except from God; and the authorities that are have been appointed by God. 2So that he who resists the authority withstands the ordinance of God; and those having resisted shall receive to themselves condemnation; 3for rulers are not a terror to the good work, but to the evil. And do you wish not to fear the authority? Do that which is good, and you shall have praise from the same; 4for he is God's minister to you for good. But, if you do that which is evil, be afraid; for he bears not the sword in vain; for he is God's minister, an avenger for wrath to him that does evil. 5Wherefore, there is necessity that ye submit yourselves, not only because of the wrath, but also because of conscience. 6For, on this account, ye pay tribute also; for they are God's ministers, attending continually to this very thing. 7Render to all their dues; tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.

Love Fulfills the Law

8Owe no one anything, but to love one another; for he that loves another has fulfilled the law. 9For this, "You shall not commit adultery," "You shall not kill," "You shall not steal," "You shall not covet;" and, if there is any other commandment, it is summed up in this word, namely, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." 10Love works no ill to one's neighbor: therefore, love is a fulfillment of the law.

The Day Is Near

11And this, knowing the season, that it is time already for you to be aroused out of sleep; for now is our salvation nearer than when ye believed. 12The night was far spent, and the day has drawn near; let us, therefore, put off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. 13As in the day, let us walk becomingly; not in revellings and drunkenness, not in lewdness and wantonness, not in strife and jealousy; 14but put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill its desires.