6 All who are under the yoke of slavery should consider their masters worthy of full respect,^(A) so that God’s name and our teaching may not be slandered.^(B)

¹⁷ Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers,^(A) fear God, honor the emperor.^(B)

¹⁸ Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters,^(C) not only to those who are good and considerate,^(D) 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.^{(E) 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.^(F)

⁵ to be self-controlled^(A) and pure, to be busy at home,^(B) to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands,^(C) so that no one will malign the word of God.^(D)

²¹ Were you a slave when you were called? Don’t let it trouble you—although if you can gain your freedom, do so. ²² For the one who was a slave when called to faith in the Lord is the Lord’s freed person;^(A) similarly, the one who was free when called is Christ’s slave.^(B)

²⁴ As it is written: “God’s name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.”^[a](A)