A good Christian will always be a responsible citizen. The disciple offers clear guidelines for civic behavior, emphasizing the higher motivation that should guide all believers: “for the Lord’s sake” (13), “this is God’s will” (15), “with your minds set on God” (19), but above all, “as free men (and women)” (16), aware that we are primarily servants of God (16), because that is what their freedom involves. So far, he has addressed Christians who generally live peacefully with pagans, but it is during times of unjust persecution that the ultimate witness of faith must be demonstrated, and when the Christian calling to follow the Crucified One reaches its highest expression. The powerful example of Christ’s passion presented by the disciple in verses 21-25 forms the core message of the entire letter.