¹⁶ Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey^(A)—whether you are slaves to sin,^(B) which leads to death,^(C) or to obedience, which leads to righteousness?

¹⁸ On my account you will be brought before governors and kings^(A) as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. ¹⁹ But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it.^(B) At that time you will be given what to say, ²⁰ for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father^(C) speaking through you.

¹⁴ But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves.^{(A) 15} For I will give you^(B) words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.

⁶ Let your conversation be always full of grace,^(A) seasoned with salt,^(B) so that you may know how to answer everyone.^(C)

²⁴ And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.^{(A) 25} Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth,^{(B) 26} and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil,^(C) who has taken them captive to do his will.

¹⁵ But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer^(A) to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope^(B) that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, ¹⁶ keeping a clear conscience,^(C) so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.^(D)