Chapter 13

Let everyone be subject to the higher authorities, for there exists no authority except from God, and those who exist have been appointed by God.

Therefore he who resists the authority resists the ordinance of God; and they that resist bring on themselves condemnation.

For rulers are a terror not to the good work but to the evil. Dost thou wish, then, not to fear the authority? Do what is good and thou wilt have praise from it.

For it is God's minister to thee for good. But if thou dost what is evil, fear, for not without reason does it carry the sword. For it is God's minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who does evil.

Wherefore you must needs be subject, not only because of the wrath, but also for conscience' sake.

For this is also why you pay tribute, for they are the ministers of God, serving unto this very end.

Render to all men whatever is their due; tribute to whom tribute is due; taxes to whom taxes are due; fear to whom fear is due; honor to whom honor is due. Charity a Social Duty

Owe no man anything except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the Law.

For "Thou shalt not commit adultery; Thou shalt not kill; Thou shalt not steal; Thou shalt not covet"; and if there is any other commandment, it is summed up in this saying, "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself."

Love does no evil to a neighbor. Love therefore is the fulfillment of the Law. The Spirit of Christ

And this do, understanding the time, for it is now the hour for us to rise from sleep, because now our salvation is nearer than when we came to believe.

The night is far advanced; the day is at hand. Let us therefore lay aside the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light.

Let us walk becomingly as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in debauchery and wantonness, not in strife and jealousy.

But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and as for the flesh, take no thought for its lusts.