1Let everyone submit to the higher (governing) authorities. For there is no authority except what is ordained by God. 2Therefore, whoever resists the authority, resists the ordinance of God; and those that resist shall bring judgment upon themselves. 3For rulers are not a cause of fear for those who do right, but for those who do evil. Do you, then, want to be free from fear of authority? Then do what is right, and you shall be commended; 4For the one in authority is a servant of God for your good. But if you do wrong, you have reason to fear; for he does not bear the sword in vain (has the power to punish); for he is the servant of God, for the purpose of holding evil-doers accountable. 5Therefore, you must submit to authority, not only to avoid punishment, but also as a matter of conscience. 6For this is also why you pay taxes; for they are used to pay those who administer God's authority. 7Therefore, pay what you owe to all entities: taxes where taxes are due; bills or debts to whom they are due; respect to whom respect is due; honor to whom honor is due.

8Owe no man anything (let no debt remain unpaid), except the debt to love one another (leave that outstanding); for when you love another you have been obedient to God's law. 9For the commandments – “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not kill (murder), You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, You shall not covet”; and if there is any other commandment, it is briefly summed up in this one command: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 10Love does no harm to his neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfillment of the law.

11And understand the present time, that it is nearing end times. We must wake up; because our salvation is now nearer than when we first believed. 12The night is nearly over, the day is almost here; so let us discard any dark deeds like dirty clothes, and let us put on the shining armor of light (right living). 13Let us act prudently, as in the light; not squandering the time in vain activities - in strife (squabbling) and petty jealousy. 14But rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not indulge in the pursuit of fleeting worldly gratification.