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)

⁸ and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.^(A)

⁹ Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything,^(B) to try to please them, not to talk back to them, ¹⁰ and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior^(C) attractive.^(D)

⁵ Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect^(A) and fear, and with sincerity of heart,^(B) just as you would obey Christ.^{(C) 6} Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ,^(D) doing the will of God from your heart. ⁷ Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people,^{(E) 8} because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do,^(F) whether they are slave or free.

¹⁶ keeping a clear conscience,^(A) so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.^(B)

¹² Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds^(A) and glorify God^(B) on the day he visits us.