1 Peter 2:13–25

13 Submit s to every human authority t because of the Lord, whether to the Emperor u as the supreme authority v 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 will w that you silence the ignorance x of foolish people by doing good. 16 As God’s * slaves, y live as free people, but don’t use your freedom as a way to conceal evil. z 17 Honor everyone. Love a the brotherhood. b Fear God. c Honor the Emperor. d

Submission of Slaves to Masters

18 Household slaves, submit with all fear e to your masters, f not only to the good and gentle but also to the cruel. g h 19 For it brings favor i if, mindful of God’s will, j k someone endures grief from suffering unjustly. 20 For what credit is there if you sin and are punished, and you endure it? But when you do what is good and suffer, l if you endure it, this brings favor with God.

21 For you were called to this,

because Christ also suffered m for you,

leaving you an example, n

so that you should follow o in His steps.

22 He did not commit sin, p

and no deceit q was found in His mouth; r s

23 when He was reviled,

He did not revile in return;

when He was suffering,

He did not threaten

but entrusted Himself to the One who judges t justly.

24 He Himself bore our sins u

in His body v on the tree, w

so that, having died to sins, x

we might live for righteousness; y

you have been healed by His wounds. z a

25 For you were like sheep going astray, b c

but you have now returned

to the Shepherd d and Guardian e of your souls.