1 Peter 2:12-21

Christian Standard Bible

¹² Conduct^(A) yourselves honorably among the Gentiles,^[a] so that when they slander you as evildoers, they will observe your good works and will glorify God on the day he visits.^(B)

¹³ Submit^(C) to every human authority because of the Lord, whether to the emperor^[b] as the supreme authority^{(D) 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^(E) that you silence the ignorance^(F) of foolish people by doing good. ¹⁶ Submit as free people, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil,^(G) but as God’s slaves.^{(H) 17} Honor everyone. Love^(I) the brothers and sisters.^(J) Fear God.^(K) Honor the emperor.

Submission of Slaves to Masters

¹⁸ Household slaves, submit to your masters^(L) with all reverence^(M) not only to the good and gentle ones but also to the cruel.^{(N) 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,^(O) if you endure it, this brings favor with God.

²¹ For you were called to this, because Christ also suffered^(P) for you, leaving you an example,^(Q) that you should follow^(R) in his steps.