⁵ Therefore one must be subject, not only because of wrath but also because of conscience.^(A)

¹⁹ For it is a commendable thing if, being aware of God, a person endures pain while suffering unjustly.

¹⁶ Therefore I do my best always to have a clear conscience toward God and all people.^(A)

² Keep^[a] the king’s command, and because of your sacred oath^(A)

Maintain Good Deeds

3 Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work,^{(A) 2} to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show every courtesy to everyone.^(B)

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)

¹³ For the Lord’s sake be subject to every human authority,^[a] whether to the emperor as supreme^{(A) 14} or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right. ¹⁵ For it is God’s will that by doing right you should silence the ignorance of the foolish.

¹⁸ Pray for us; we are sure that we have a good conscience, desiring to act honorably in all things.^(A)

⁵ Afterward David was stricken to the heart because he had cut off a corner of Saul’s cloak.^{(A) 6} He said to his men, “The Lord forbid that I should do this thing to my lord, the Lord’s anointed, to raise my hand against him, for he is the Lord’s anointed.”^(B)