18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.

19 For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.

20 For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.

21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:

23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:

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18 Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters,(A) not only to those who are good and considerate,(B) 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.(C) 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.(D) 21 To this(E) you were called,(F) because Christ suffered for you,(G) leaving you an example,(H) that you should follow in his steps.

22 “He committed no sin,(I)
    and no deceit was found in his mouth.”[a](J)

23 When they hurled their insults at him,(K) he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats.(L) Instead, he entrusted himself(M) to him who judges justly.(N)

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Peter 2:22 Isaiah 53:9