1 Peter 2:13-24
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
13 For the Lord’s sake be subject to every human authority,[a] whether to the emperor as supreme(A) 14 or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right. 15 For it is God’s will that by doing right you should silence the ignorance of the foolish. 16 As servants of God, live as free people, yet do not use your freedom as a pretext for evil.(B) 17 Honor everyone. Love the family of believers.[b] Fear God. Honor the emperor.(C)
The Example of Christ’s Suffering
18 Slaves, be subject to your masters with all respect,[c] not only those who are good and gentle but also those who are dishonest. 19 For it is a commendable thing if, being aware of God, a person endures pain while suffering unjustly. 20 If you endure when you are beaten for doing wrong, what credit is that? But if you endure when you do good and suffer for it, this is a commendable thing before God.(D) 21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follow in his steps.(E)
22 “He committed no sin,
and no deceit was found in his mouth.”
23 When he was abused, he did not return abuse; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but he entrusted himself to the one who judges justly.(F) 24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross,[d] so that, having died to sins, we might live for righteousness; by his wounds[e] you have been healed.(G)
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