Slaves

18You who are slaves must accept the authority of your masters with all respect.^j Do what they tell you—not only if they are kind and reasonable, but even if they are cruel. 19For God is pleased with you when you do what you know is right and patiently endure unfair treatment. 20Of course, you get no credit for being patient if you are beaten for doing wrong. But if you suffer for doing good and endure it patiently, God is pleased with you.

21For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered^k for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.

22He never sinned,

nor ever deceived anyone.^l

23He did not retaliate when he was insulted,

nor threaten revenge when he suffered.

He left his case in the hands of God,

who always judges fairly.

24He personally carried our sins

in his body on the cross

so that we can be dead to sin

and live for what is right.

By his wounds

you are healed.

25Once you were like sheep

who wandered away.

But now you have turned to your Shepherd,

the Guardian of your souls.