² They began to accuse him, saying, “We found this man inciting our nation, forbidding us to pay taxes to Caesar and saying that he himself is the Messiah, a king.”^[a](A)

⁶ When they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some brothers and sisters before the city authorities, shouting, “These people who have been turning the world upside down have come here also,^{(A) 7} and Jason has entertained them as guests. They are all acting contrary to the decrees of the emperor, saying that there is another king named Jesus.”^(B)

¹² From then on Pilate tried to release him, but the Jews cried out, “If you release this man, you are no friend of Caesar. Everyone who claims to be a king sets himself against Caesar.”^(A)

¹⁴ and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was inciting the people, and here I have examined him in your presence and have not found this man guilty of any of your charges against him.^(A)

¹⁶ yet do it with gentleness and respect. Maintain a good conscience so that, when you are maligned,^[a] those who abuse you for your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame.^{(A) 17} For it is better to suffer for doing good, if suffering should be God’s will, than to suffer for doing evil. ¹⁸ For Christ also suffered^[b] for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, in order to bring you^[c] to God. He was put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit,^(B)