¹⁷ But the midwives ^(A)feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but let the male children live.

^17 (A)“Whoever curses^[a] his father or his mother shall be put to death.

²⁹ But Peter and the apostles answered, ^(A)“We must obey God rather than men.

Submission to the Authorities

13 Let every person ^(A)be subject to the governing authorities. For ^(B)there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. ² Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.

4 Masters, treat your bondservants^[a] justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.

Pray for All People

2 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, ^2 (A)for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and ^(B)dignified in every way.

¹⁷ Obey ^(A)your leaders and submit to them, ^(B)for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to ^(C)give an account. ^(D)Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.

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

^18 (A)Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. ¹⁹ For this is a gracious thing, when, ^(B)mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly.