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

²³ When they hurled their insults at him,^(U) he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats.^(V) Instead, he entrusted himself^(W) to him who judges justly.^{(X) 24} “He himself bore our sins”^(Y) in his body on the cross,^(Z) so that we might die to sins^(AA) and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”^{(AB) 25} For “you were like sheep going astray,”^[b](AC) but now you have returned to the Shepherd^(AD) and Overseer of your souls.^(AE)