⁵ Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.^(A)

¹⁹ For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God.^(A)

¹⁶ So I strive always to keep my conscience clear^(A) before God and man.

Obey the King

² Obey the king’s command, I say, because you took an oath before God.

Saved in Order to Do Good

3 Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities,^(A) to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good,^{(B) 2} to slander no one,^(C) to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.

¹⁶ keeping a clear conscience,^(A) so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.^(B)

¹³ Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority:^(A) whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, ¹⁴ or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong^(B) and to commend those who do right.^{(C) 15} For it is God’s will^(D) that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people.^(E)

¹⁸ Pray for us.^(A) We are sure that we have a clear conscience^(B) and desire to live honorably in every way.

⁵ Afterward, David was conscience-stricken^(A) for having cut off a corner of his robe. ⁶ He said to his men, “The Lord forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the Lord’s anointed,^(B) or lay my hand on him; for he is the anointed of the Lord.”