1 Peter 2:13-25 ▼

13 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority,

14 or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right.

15 For such is the will of God, that by doing right you silence the ignorance of foolish people.

16 Act as free people, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bond-servants of God.

17 Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king.

18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are harsh.

19 For this finds favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a person endures grief when suffering unjustly.

20 For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God.

21 For you have been called for this purpose, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you would follow in His steps,

22 HE WHO COMMITTED NO sin, NOR WAS ANY DECEIT found IN HIS MOUTH;

23 and while being abusively insulted, He did not insult in return; while suffering, He did not threaten, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously;

24 and He Himself brought our sins in His body up on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live for righteousness; by His wounds you were healed.

25 For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.