^2 (A)for kings and ^(B)all who are in ^[a]authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and ^[b]reverence.

⁹ But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of ^(A)darkness into His marvelous light; ^10 (B)who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.

Living Before the World

¹¹ Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts ^(C)which war against the soul, ^12 (D)having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, ^(E)they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.

Submission to Government^(F)

^13 (G)Therefore submit yourselves to every ^[a]ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme,

Submit to Government

13 Let every soul be ^(A)subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. ² Therefore whoever resists ^(B)the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will ^[a]bring judgment on themselves. ³ For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? ^(C)Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. ⁴ For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. ⁵ Therefore ^(D)you must be subject, not only because of wrath ^(E)but also for conscience’ sake. ⁶ For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing. ^7 (F)Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.

¹¹ that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, ^(A)to mind your own business, and ^(B)to work with your own hands, as we commanded you,

¹¹ O Lord, I pray, please ^(A)let Your ear be attentive to the prayer of Your servant, and to the prayer of Your servants who ^(B)desire to fear Your name; and let Your servant prosper this day, I pray, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.”

For I was the king’s ^(C)cupbearer.

^14 (A)Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, ^(B)without which no one will see the Lord: