9But you are a special people, a holy nation, priests and kings, a people given up completely to God, so that you may make clear the virtues of him who took you out of the dark into the light of heaven.
10In the past you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; then there was no mercy for you, but now mercy has been given to you.
11My loved ones, I make this request with all my heart, that, as those for whom this world is a strange country, you will keep yourselves from the desires of the flesh which make war against the soul;
12Being of good behaviour among the Gentiles; so that though they say now that you are evil-doers, they may see your good works and give glory to God when he comes to be their judge.
13Keep all the laws of men because of the Lord; those of the king, who is over all,
14And those of the rulers who are sent by him for the punishment of evil-doers and for the praise of those who do well.
15Because it is God's pleasure that foolish and narrow-minded men may be put to shame by your good behaviour:
