13 Submitz to every human authority because of the Lord, whether to the emperorR as the supreme authorityaa 14 or to governors as those sent out by him to punish those who do what is evil and to praise those who do what is good. 15 For it is God’s willab that you silence the ignoranceac of foolish people by doing good. 16 Submit as free people, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil,ad but as God’s slaves.ae 17 Honor everyone. Loveaf the brothers and sisters.ag Fear God.ah Honor the emperor.

SUBMISSION OF SLAVES TO MASTERS

18 Household slaves, submit to your mastersai with all reverenceaj not only to the good and gentle ones but also to the cruel.ak 19 For it brings favor if, because of a consciousness of God, someone endures grief from suffering unjustly. 20 For what credit is there if when you do wrong and are beaten, you endure it? But when you do what is good and suffer,al if you endure it, this brings favor with God.

21 For you were called to this, because Christ also sufferedam for you, leaving you an example,an that you should followao in his steps. 22 He did not commit sin,ap and no deceitaq was found in his mouth;S,ar 23 when he was insulted, he did not insult in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten but entrusted himself to the one who judgesas justly. 24 He himself bore our sinsat in his bodyau on the tree;av so that, having died to sins,aw we might live for righteousness.ax By his woundsT,ay you have been healed. 25 For you were like sheep going astray,U,az but you have now returned to the Shepherdba and OverseerV of your souls.