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16 For you are free, yet you are God’s slaves, so don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do evil. 17 Respect everyone, and love the family of believers.[a] Fear God, and respect the king.

Slaves

18 You who are slaves must submit to your masters with all respect.[b] Do what they tell you—not only if they are kind and reasonable, but even if they are cruel.

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Footnotes

  1. 2:17 Greek love the brotherhood.
  2. 2:18 Or because you fear God; Greek reads in all fear.

16 Live as free people,(A) but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil;(B) live as God’s slaves.(C) 17 Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers,(D) fear God, honor the emperor.(E)

18 Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters,(F) not only to those who are good and considerate,(G) but also to those who are harsh.

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