For so is the will of God, that by well-doing ye should put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:

For it is better, if the will of God should so will, that ye suffer for well-doing than for evil-doing.

Wherefore let them also that suffer according to the will of God commit their souls in well-doing unto a faithful Creator.

other unto rulers, as unto them that are sent of him, for the punishment of evil doers: but for the laud of them that well do.

For what credit is it if, when you are struck for a fault, you take it patiently? But if when you are doing well and suffer for it, you always take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.

even as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him Lord; whose daughters you are become, doing well, and not fearing any terror.

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.

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?

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.