1Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For there is no authority except that which God has established, and the authorities that exist have been appointed by God.
2Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.
3Authorities are not a threat to people who do good, but to those who do evil. Do you want to live without fearing the authorities? Then do what is good, and they will praise you,
4because the authority figure serves God for your benefit. But if you do wrong, be afraid, because the official has the power to punish. He serves God by carrying out wrath on anyone who does evil.
5Therefore, you must obey the authorities, not only because of possible punishment, but also because it is the right thing to do.
6For the same reason, you also pay taxes. Those who collect taxes are God's servants, dedicated to this very task.
7So give everyone what you owe them: if you owe taxes, pay taxes; if customs, then customs; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
8Don't owe anyone anything, except to love each other. Because if you love your neighbor, you have fulfilled the law.
9The commandments, "You must not commit adultery," "You must not murder," "You must not steal," "You must not covet," and any other commandments, are all summarized in this one saying: "You must love your neighbor as yourself."
10Love never harms a neighbor. Therefore, love is the fulfillment of the law.
11Do this, knowing the current time, that it is already time for you to wake up from your sleep. Because our salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed.
12The night is almost over, and the day is coming soon. So let's stop doing evil deeds done in darkness, and instead put on the armor of light.
13Let's behave properly, as one would in the daytime: no wild parties or drunkenness, no sexual immorality or impulsive desires, and no fighting or jealousy.
14Instead, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and don't think about how to fulfill the desires of your sinful nature.