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Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority,
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or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.
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For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people.
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Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves.
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Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.
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Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh.
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For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God.
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But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.
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To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
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“He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.”
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When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.
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“He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”
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For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
