⁵ Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also ^(A)for conscience’ sake.

¹⁴ But even if you should ^(A)suffer for the sake of righteousness, ^(B)you ^[a]are blessed. ^(C)And do not fear their ^[b]intimidation, and do not be troubled,

^16 [a]and keep a ^(A)good conscience so that in the thing in which ^(B)you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame. ¹⁷ For ^(C)it is better, ^(D)if ^[b]God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong. ¹⁸ For ^(E)Christ also died for sins ^(F)once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might ^(G)bring us to God, having been put to death ^(H)in the flesh, but made alive ^(I)in the ^[c]spirit; ¹⁹ in ^[d]which also He went and made proclamation to the spirits now in prison, ²⁰ who once were disobedient, when the ^(J)patience of God ^(K)kept waiting in the days of Noah, during the construction of ^(L)the ark, in which a few, that is, ^(M)eight ^(N)persons, were brought safely through the ^[e]water. ^21 (O)Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you—^(P)not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God ^[f]for a ^(Q)good conscience—through ^(R)the resurrection of Jesus Christ, ^22 (S)who is at the right hand of God, ^(T)having gone into heaven, ^(U)after angels and authorities and powers had been subjected to Him.