13. Obey the people who have authority in this world. Do this for the Lord. Obey the king, who is the highest authority.
14. And obey the leaders who are sent by the king. They are sent to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right.
15. So when you do good, you stop foolish people from saying stupid things about you. This is what God wants.
16. Live as free men. But do not use your freedom as an excuse to do evil. Live as servants of God.
17. Show respect for all people. Love the brothers and sisters of God’s family. Respect God. Honor the king.
18. Slaves, accept the authority of your masters. Do this with all respect. You should obey masters who are good and kind, and you should obey masters who are bad.
19. A person might have to suffer even when he has done nothing wrong. But if he thinks of God and bears the pain, this pleases God.
20. If you are punished for doing wrong, there is no reason to praise you for bearing punishment. But if you suffer for doing good, and you are patient, then that pleases God.