[2:13] Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme,
[2:14] or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good.
[2:15] For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people.
[2:16] Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.
[2:17] Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.
[2:18] Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust.
[2:19] For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly.
[2:20] For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God.
[2:21] For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.
[2:22] He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth.
[2:23] When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.
[2:24] He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.
[2:25] For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.