¹⁸ Pray for us.^(A) We are sure that we have a clear conscience^(B) and desire to live honorably in every way.

¹⁶ keeping a clear conscience,^(A) so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.^(B)

²¹ and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you^(A) also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience^(B) toward God.^[a] It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ,^(C)