1 Peter 2:13-25 - Submission To Established Authority
13 Be subject therefore to every human constitution for the Lord's sake; whether to a king as the supreme magistrate; 14 or to governors, as sent by him for the punishment of wicked doers, but the praise of those who do well. 15 For such is the will of God, that by well doing ye hold under restraint the ignorance of foolish men: 16 as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for wicked practices; but as being servants of God. 17 Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.
18 Servants, be in subjection to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but even to the froward. 19 For this is gracious conduct, if for conscience towards God, any man undergo sorrows, suffering wrongfully. 20 For what glory would there be, if committing faults, and being buffeted, ye suffered patiently? but if, when ye behave well, yet suffer, ye bear it patiently, this is graciously accepted of God.
21 For hereunto have ye been called, because Christ also hath suffered for you, leaving you a pattern, that ye should follow his steps; 22 who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 23 who, when reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he used no menaces; but referred himself to him who judgeth righteously: 24 who himself bore our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead unto sins, might live unto righteousness; "by whose stripes, [even] his, ye were healed." 25 For ye were as sheep wandering astray; but are now returned unto the pastor and bishop of your souls.