Chapter 13 - Subject to higher powers

1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be, are ordained of God.

2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

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

4 For he is the minister (of God) to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he1 is the minister (of God) a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.

5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject (not only for wrath) but also for conscience sake.

6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers2, attending continually upon this very thing.

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 anything, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.

9 For this, 

Thou shalt not commit adultery, 

Thou shalt not kill, 

Thou shalt not steal, 

Thou shalt not bear false witness, 

Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, 

Thou shalt love thy neighbour [as] thyself.

10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

11 And that (knowing the time) that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.

12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works (of darkness) and let us put on the armour (of Light3).

13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.

14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus (Christ) and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

FOOTNOTE

1. Note:  this could be the Angel of Wrath;  Read:The Nature of the Rulers

2. Read: Psalm 104:1-5;  Hebrews 1:7

3. Read: 1 John 1:5

Chapter 14