1 Peter 2:13-25 - Submission To Established Authority
13 Submit yourselves to every authority set up by people for the Lord's sake. [Submit to] a king as the [highest] authority, 14 or to governors who are appointed by him to punish wrongdoers, and to commend those who do right. 15 For it is God's will that, by doing good, you should put to silence the ignorant [talk and actions] of foolish people. 16 As servants of God, you should live as free people, but do not use this freedom to cover up your wrongdoing. 17 Show [proper] respect for everyone. Love your [Christian] brothers [and sisters]. Have an awe-inspiring respect for God. Show honor to the king.
18 Slaves, submit yourselves to your masters and show them respect, not just the ones who are good [to you] and treat you well, but also to those who are harsh toward you. 19 For those of you who put up with such suffering unjustly, because of your close relationship to God, are to be commended. 20 But it is no credit to you if you put up with a beating you deserve. But if you patiently tolerate suffering for doing good, this is pleasing to God.
21 [After all], this is what you were called to do, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you would follow in His steps. 22 [For] He neither sinned nor used deceitful words. 23 When He was spoken to with harsh insults, He did not reply in the same way. When He was made to suffer, He did not threaten [His tormentors], but instead entrusted Himself to God, [whom He knew] would make a righteous judgment [in the matter]. 24 Jesus took upon Himself our sins [when] His body was placed upon the cross so that we, [through] dying to [i.e., giving up] the sinful life, would live for righteousness. You were healed [from your sins] by His being brutally treated. 25 For you people were wandering away like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.