Romans 13:1-10 ▼

1 LET every soul be subject to the sover eign authorities. For there is no power which is not from God: and those who are in authority are ordained by God.

2 Whoever therefore resists the civil authority, resists the command of God: and they that resist, shall receive judgment to themselves.

3 For judges are not a menace to good works, but to evil. Now if you do not wish to be afraid of the authority, then do good, and you will be praised for it.

4 For he is the minister of God to you for good. But if you do that which is wrong, be afraid; for he is not girded with the sword in vain; for he is the minister of God, and an avenger of wrath upon those who commit crime.

5 Wherefore, we must be obedient, not only in fear of wrath, but also for our conscience sake.

6 For, for this reason you pay head tax also: for they are ministers of God who are in charge of these things.

7 Render therefore, to every one as is due to him: head tax to him who is in charge of head tax, duty to him who is in charge of custom; reverence to whom reverence is due, and honor to whom honor is due.

8 Owe no man anything, but love one another: for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law,

9 Which says, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not covet; and if there is any other commandment, it is fulfilled in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.

10 Love does not work evil to his neighbor because love is the fulfillment of the law.