Readings for Lent and Easter
Submission to Authorities
13 Be subject to every human institution[a] for the Lord’s sake, whether to a king as supreme 14 or to governors as those he commissions[b] to punish wrongdoers and praise[c] those who do good. 15 For God wants you[d] to silence the ignorance of foolish people by doing good. 16 Live[e] as free people, not using your freedom as a pretext for evil, but as God’s slaves.[f] 17 Honor all people, love the family of believers,[g] fear God, honor the king.
18 Slaves,[h] be subject[i] to your masters with all reverence, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are perverse. 19 For this finds God’s favor,[j] if because of conscience toward God[k] someone endures hardships in suffering unjustly. 20 For what credit is it if you sin and are mistreated and endure it? But if you do good and suffer and so endure, this finds favor with God.[l] 21 For to this you were called, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving an example for you to follow in his steps. 22 He[m] committed no sin nor was deceit found in his mouth.[n] 23 When he was maligned, he[o] did not answer back; when he suffered, he threatened[p] no retaliation,[q] but committed himself to God[r] who judges justly. 24 He[s] himself bore our sins[t] in his body on the tree, that we may cease from sinning[u] and live for righteousness. By his[v] wounds[w] you were healed.[x] 25 For you were going astray like sheep[y] but now you have turned back to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.
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