12
But they maintained their friendship with their allies and those who relied on them for protection. They conquered kings near and far, and everyone who heard of their reputation was afraid of them.
13
They helped some men to become kings, while they deposed others; they had become a world power.
14
In spite of all this, no Roman ever tried to advance his own position by wearing a crown or putting on royal robes.
15
They created a senate, and each day 320 senators came together to deliberate about the affairs of the people and their well-being.
16
Each year they entrusted to one man the responsibility of governing them and controlling their whole territory. Everyone obeyed this one man, and there was no envy or jealousy among them.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.