Chapter 95

¹ For those who believe in God ought neither to dissemble nor to fear those set in authority, unless they do some evil; but if, on account of their faith in God, they are compelled to do something else, they should gladly die rather than do what is commanded by them.

² For when the Apostle says to be subject to all the higher authorities, he does not say it for this purpose—that, denying our faith and the things ordained by God, we should do whatever men command—but that, fearing the authorities, we should do nothing evil, lest we be punished by them as evildoers.

³ And for this reason he says: He is God’s minister, an avenger upon those who do evil. What? Do you wish not to fear the authority? Do good, and you will have praise from it. But if you do evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword in vain. So in this sense he said to be subject—to one who lives in a holy and reverent manner in the present life, keeping before his eyes the peril of the sword.

⁴ The Apostles, then, though forbidden by the rulers and scribes to speak the word, did not cease, obeying God rather than men; and for this reason their adversaries, being indignant, put them in public custody. But the angel led them out by night and said: Go, speak the words of this life. —