¹⁹ For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God.^{(A) 20} But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.^{(B) 21} To this^(C) you were called,^(D) because Christ suffered for you,^(E) leaving you an example,^(F) that you should follow in his steps.

²³ When they hurled their insults at him,^(I) he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats.^(J) Instead, he entrusted himself^(K) to him who judges justly.^{(L) 24} “He himself bore our sins”^(M) in his body on the cross,^(N) so that we might die to sins^(O) and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”^{(P) 25} For “you were like sheep going astray,”^[b](Q) but now you have returned to the Shepherd^(R) and Overseer of your souls.^(S)

¹⁵ If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. ¹⁶ However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.^{(A) 17} For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household;^(B) and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?^{(C) 18} And,

¹⁹ So then, those who suffer according to God’s will^(E) should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.