Submission to Authorities

2:13 Be subject to every human institution34 for the Lord’s sake, whether to a king as supreme 2:14 or to governors as those he commissions35 to punish wrongdoers and praise36 those who do good. 2:15 For God wants you37 to silence the ignorance of foolish people by doing good. 2:16 Live38 as free people, not using your freedom as a pretext for evil, but as God’s slaves.39 2:17 Honor all people, love the family of believers,40 fear God, honor the king.

2:18 Slaves,41 be subject42 to your masters with all reverence, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are perverse. 2:19 For this finds God’s favor,43 if because of conscience toward God44 someone endures hardships in suffering unjustly. 2:20 For what credit is it if you sin and are mistreated and endure it? But if you do good and suffer and so endure, this finds favor with God.45 2:21 For to this you were called, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving an example for you to follow in his steps. 2:22 He46 committed no sin nor was deceit found in his mouth.47 2:23 When he was maligned, he48 did not answer back; when he suffered, he threatened49 no retaliation,50 but committed himself to God51 who judges justly. 2:24 He52 himself bore our sins53 in his body on the tree, that we may cease from sinning54 and live for righteousness. By his55 wounds56 you were healed.57 2:25 For you were going astray like sheep58 but now you have turned back to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.