⁹ Then the angel of the Lord told her, “Go back to your mistress and submit to her.”

⁵ In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves^(A) to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility^(B) toward one another, because,

⁶ Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.^(D)

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.

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) 24} “He himself bore our sins”^(O) in his body on the cross,^(P) so that we might die to sins^(Q) and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”^{(R) 25} For “you were like sheep going astray,”^[b](S) but now you have returned to the Shepherd^(T) and Overseer of your souls.^(U)

⁹ Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything,^(A) to try to please them, not to talk back to them,

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.

Instructions for Christian Households^(A)

²¹ Submit to one another^(B) out of reverence for Christ.