For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong.

For God approves a man if from a sense of duty he endures suffering unjustly inflicted??20 for what credit is there in your enduring being beaten for doing wrong? But if you endure suffering for doing what is right, you have God's approval.

What credit can you claim when, after doing wrong, you take your punishment for it patiently? But, on the other hand, if, after doing right, you take your sufferings patiently, that does win the approval of God.

But even if you have to suffer for doing what was right, you still have [God's] blessing. So, do not be afraid of the threats [of your persecutors], and do not let it worry you.

And who do you think would [try to] hurt you if you become enthusiastic for doing what is right?

For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men.

Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.

They were submissive to their husbands, as Sarah, for example, obeyed Abraham and called him master. You have become true daughters of hers, if you practice doing right and cease from every fear.

Or to chiefs, as sent by him for the punishing of them doing evil, and the praise of them doing good.

Live like free men, only do not make your freedom a pretext for doing evil, but live like slaves of God.

For enough time in the past has been spent doing the will of the Gentiles, and having walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, orgies, carousings, and abominable idolatries.

May your conscience be able to so approve of your conduct that, even if you are ridiculed, those doing it will [eventually] have to be ashamed [of themselves] for criticizing your Christian behavior.

[However], you should not have to suffer for murdering, stealing, doing evil or interfering in the affairs of others.