14. or to governors sent by him for the punishment of those who do evil and the praise of those who do good.
15. For this is God’s will, that you silence the ignorance of foolish men by doing good.
16. Live as free people, but not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil. Rather, live as God’s slaves.
17. Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.
18. Slaves, with all respect submit yourselves to your masters—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, someone endures grief from suffering undeservedly.
20. For what credit is there if, when you sin and get a beating, you endure? But if you endure when you do good and suffer for it, this finds favor with God.
21. For you were called to this, because Messiah also suffered for you, leaving you an example so that you might follow in His footsteps:
22. “He committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth.”
23. When He was abused, He did not return the abuse. While suffering, He made no threats. Instead, He kept entrusting Himself to the One who judges righteously.
24. He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we, removed from sins, might live for righteousness. “By His wounds you were healed.”
25. For you like sheep were going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.