1 Peter 2:13-17

New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition

¹³ For the Lord’s sake accept the authority of every human institution,^[a] whether of the emperor as supreme, ¹⁴ or of 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^[b] of God, live as free people, yet do not use your freedom as a pretext for evil. ¹⁷ Honor everyone. Love the family of believers.^[c] Fear God. Honor the emperor.