1 Peter 2:13-17

Expanded Bible

Yield to Every Human Authority

¹³ For the Lord’s sake, ·yield [submit; be subject] to ·the people who have authority in this world [or every human institution/creation; Rom. 13:1–7; Titus 3:1]: the ·king [or emperor], who is the ·highest [supreme] authority, ¹⁴ and the ·leaders [governors] who are ·sent [commissioned] by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right. ¹⁵ [^LFor; Because] It is ·God’s desire [^Lthe will of God] that by doing good you should ·stop foolish people from saying stupid things about you [^Lsilence the ignorant talk of foolish people]. ¹⁶ Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as an ·excuse [cover-up; pretext] to do evil. Live as ·servants [slaves] of God. ¹⁷ ·Show respect for [Honor] all people: Love the ·brothers and sisters of God’s family [community of believers; brotherhood], ·respect [fear] God [Prov. 1:7], honor the king [or emperor; Rom. 13:1].