¹³ Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority:^(A) whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, ¹⁴ or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong^(B) and to commend those who do right.^{(C) 15} For it is God’s will^(D) that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people.^{(E) 16} Live as free people,^(F) but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil;^(G) live as God’s slaves.^{(H) 17} Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers,^(I) fear God, honor the emperor.^(J)

¹⁸ Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters,^(K) not only to those who are good and considerate,^(L) but also to those who are harsh. ¹⁹ For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God.^{(M) 20} But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.^(N)