1Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.2Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.3For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:4For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.5Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.6For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.7Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.8Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.9For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.10Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.11And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.12The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.13Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.14But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
Romans 13
New International Reader’s Version
Obey those in authority
1All of you must obey those who rule over you. There are no authorities except the ones God has chosen. Those who now rule have been chosen by God.2So whoever opposes the authorities opposes leaders whom God has appointed. Those who do that will be judged.3If you do what is right, you won’t need to be afraid of your rulers. But watch out if you do what is wrong! You don’t want to be afraid of those in authority, do you? Then do what is right, and you will be praised.4The one in authority serves God for your good. But if you do wrong, watch out! Rulers don’t carry a sword for no reason at all. They serve God. And God is carrying out his anger through them. The ruler punishes anyone who does wrong.5You must obey the authorities. Then you will not be punished. You must also obey them because you know it is right.6That’s also why you pay taxes. The authorities serve God. Ruling takes up all their time.7Give to everyone what you owe them. Do you owe taxes? Then pay them. Do you owe anything else to the government? Then pay it. Do you owe respect? Then give it. Do you owe honour? Then show it.
Love fulfils the law
8Pay everything you owe. But you can never pay back all the love you owe one another. Whoever loves other people has done everything the law requires.9Here are some commandments to think about. ‘Do not commit adultery.’ ‘Do not commit murder.’ ‘Do not steal.’ ‘Do not want what belongs to others.’ These and all other commands are included in one command. Here’s what it is. ‘Love your neighbour as you love yourself.’ (Ex 20:13; Ex 20:17; Le 19:18; De 5:17; De 5:21)10Love does not harm its neighbour. So love does everything the law requires.
The day is near
11When you do these things, keep in mind the times we are living in. The hour has already come for you to wake up from your sleep. The full effects of our salvation are closer now than when we first believed in Christ.12The dark night of evil is nearly over. The day of Christ’s return is almost here. So let us get rid of the works of darkness that harm us. Let us do the works of light that protect us.13Let us act as we should, like people living in the daytime. Have nothing to do with wild parties, and don’t get drunk. Don’t take part in sexual sins or evil conduct. Don’t fight with each other or be jealous of anyone.14Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ as if he were your clothing. Don’t think about how to satisfy sinful desires.