⁶ In it was written, “It is reported among the nations—and Geshem^[a] also says it—that you and the Jews intend to rebel; that is why you are building the wall; and according to this report you wish to become their king.^(A)

¹⁹ But when Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official^[a] and Geshem the Arab heard of it, they mocked and ridiculed us, saying, “What is this that you are doing? Are you rebelling against the king?”^(A)

¹² may it be known to the king that the Jews who came up from you to us have gone to Jerusalem. They are rebuilding that rebellious and wicked city; they are finishing the walls and repairing the foundations.^(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)

¹² Conduct yourselves honorably among the gentiles, so that, though they malign you as evildoers, they may see your honorable deeds and glorify God when he comes to judge.^[a](A)

¹³ For the Lord’s sake be subject to every human authority,^[b] whether to the emperor as supreme^(B)

⁸ in honor and dishonor, in ill repute and good repute. We are treated as impostors and yet are true,

⁸ And why not say (as some people slander us by saying that we say), “Let us do evil so that good may come”? Their judgment is deserved!^(A)

¹³ When Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus outside and sat^[a] on the judge’s bench at a place called The Stone Pavement, or in Hebrew^[b] Gabbatha.^(A)

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)

¹¹ “Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely^[a] on my account.^(A)