6 For it is said in the Scriptures, Behold, I set in Zion a cornerstone, a chosen one, a precious one; and he who believes in Him will not be ashamed.

7 Therefore he is a precious thing to you who believe, but to those who do not believe a stone which the builders have rejected, but which has become the head of the corner, a stone of stumbling and a stone of offense,

8 Against which they stumble, not obeying the word, wherefore they are left behind.

9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people taken as an inheritance, to proclaim the perfections of Him who called you out of darkness into His wondrous light;

10 Not once a people, but now the people of God; once unpardoned, but now they have been pardoned.

11 Beloved! I beseech you, as strangers and strangers, to depart from the lusts of the flesh that rise up against the soul,

12 and to lead a virtuous life among the Gentiles, that they may glorify God in the day of visitation because of the things for which they curse you as evildoers, when they see your good works.

13 Therefore be subject to every human rulership, unto the Lord: whether to the king as the supreme authority,

14 For it is the will of God that we should stop the ignorance of foolish men when we do good, 16 as freemen, not as those who use freedom to cover up evil, but as servants of God.

17 Honor all, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king.

18 Servants, with all fear obey your masters, not only good and meek, but also harsh.

19 For this is pleasing to God, if a man, thinking of God, endures sorrows, suffering unjustly.

20 For what kind of praise is it if you endure to be beaten for your faults? But if you endure doing good and suffering, it is pleasing to God.

21 For ye have been called unto this, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that we might follow in his footsteps.