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

1Let every soul be subject to the higher authorities. For there is no authority except that which is from God; and the existing authorities have been ordained of God. 2So the one resisting the authority, antagonizes the ordinance of God: and those antagonizing shall receive to themselves judgment. 3For rulers are not a terror to the good work, but to the evil. Whether do you not wish to fear the authority? do the good, and you shall have praise from it: 4for he is the minister of God for you for good. But if you do evil, fear; for he bears not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, executing judgment unto wrath unto the one doing evil. 5Therefore it is necessary to submit, not only on account of wrath, but also on account of conscience. 6For on account of this also pay tribute; for they are the ministers of God, attending to this very thing. 7Give to all their dues: custom to whom custom is due; tribute to whom tribute is due; fear to whom fear is due; honor to whom honor is due.

Love Fulfills the Law

8Owe no man anything, but to love one another with divine love: for the one loving another with divine love has fulfilled the law. 9For, thou shalt not commit adultery, thou shalt not murder, thou shalt not steal, thou shalt not covet, and if there is any other commandment, it is fulfilled in this word, in this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself with divine love. 10Divine love works no evil to its neighbor: for divine love is the fulfilling of the law.

The Day Is Near

11And recognizing this time, that it is already the hour we should wake out of sleep: for now our salvation is nearer than when we believed. 12For the night is far spent, and the day is at hand. Therefore let us lay aside the works of the darkness, and let us put on the arms of the light. 13Let us walk circumspectly, as in the day; not with revelries and drunkenness, not with debaucheries and impurities, not in strife and envy: 14but put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the lust of the flesh.