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1 Peter 1-5
New King James Version

Greeting to the Elect Pilgrims

1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,

To the [a]pilgrims (A)of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2 (B)elect (C)according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, (D)in sanctification of the Spirit, for (E)obedience and (F)sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ:

(G)Grace to you and peace be multiplied.

A Heavenly Inheritance

3 (H)Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who (I)according to His abundant mercy (J)has begotten us again to a living hope (K)through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance [b]incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, (L)reserved in heaven for you, 5 (M)who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

6 (N)In this you greatly rejoice, though now (O)for a little while, if need be, (P)you have been [c]grieved by various trials, 7 that (Q)the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though (R)it is tested by fire, (S)may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 8 (T)whom having not [d]seen you love. (U)Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.

10 Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you, 11 searching what, or what manner of time, (V)the Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating when He testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. 12 To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to [e]us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things which (W)angels desire to look into.

Living Before God Our Father

13 Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 14 as obedient children, not (X)conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; 15 (Y)but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 because it is written, (Z)“Be holy, for I am holy.”

17 And if you call on the Father, who (AA)without partiality judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your [f]stay here in fear; 18 knowing that you were not redeemed with [g]corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, 19 but (AB)with the precious blood of Christ, (AC)as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. 20 (AD)He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was [h]manifest (AE)in these last times for you 21 who through Him believe in God, (AF)who raised Him from the dead and (AG)gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.

The Enduring Word

22 Since you (AH)have purified your souls in obeying the truth [i]through the Spirit in [j]sincere (AI)love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart, 23 (AJ)having been born again, not of [k]corruptible seed but [l]incorruptible, (AK)through the word of God which lives and abides [m]forever, 24 because

(AL)“All flesh is as grass,
And all [n]the glory of man as the flower of the grass.
The grass withers,
And its flower falls away,
25 (AM)But the [o]word of the Lord endures forever.”

(AN)Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you.

Our Inheritance Through Christ’s Blood

2 Therefore, (AO)laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, 2 (AP)as newborn babes, desire the pure (AQ)milk of the word, that you may grow [p]thereby, 3 if indeed you have (AR)tasted that the Lord is gracious.

The Chosen Stone and His Chosen People(AS)

4 Coming to Him as to a living stone, (AT)rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, 5 you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture,

(AU)“Behold, I lay in Zion
A chief cornerstone, elect, precious,
And he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame.”

7 Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who [q]are disobedient,

(AV)“The stone which the builders rejected
Has become the chief cornerstone,”

8 and

(AW)“A stone of stumbling
And a rock of offense.”

(AX)They stumble, being disobedient to the word, (AY)to which they also were appointed.

9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of (AZ)darkness into His marvelous light; 10 (BA)who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.

Living Before the World

11 Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts (BB)which war against the soul, 12 (BC)having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, (BD)they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.

Submission to Government(BE)

13 (BF)Therefore submit yourselves to every [r]ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, 14 or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. 15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men— 16 (BG)as free, yet not (BH)using liberty as a cloak for [s]vice, but as bondservants of God. 17 Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear (BI)God. Honor the king.

Submission to Masters(BJ)

18 (BK)Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh. 19 For this is (BL)commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully. 20 For (BM)what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. 21 For (BN)to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for [t]us, (BO)leaving [u]us an example, that you should follow His steps:

22 “Who(BP) committed no sin,
Nor was deceit found in His mouth”;

23 (BQ)who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but (BR)committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; 24 (BS)who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, (BT)that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—(BU)by whose [v]stripes you were healed. 25 For (BV)you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned (BW)to the Shepherd and [w]Overseer of your souls.

Submission to Husbands

3 Wives, likewise, be (BX)submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, (BY)they, without a word, may (BZ)be won by the conduct of their wives, 2 (CA)when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear. 3 (CB)Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel— 4 rather let it be (CC)the hidden person of the heart, with the [x]incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. 5 For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands, 6 as Sarah obeyed Abraham, (CD)calling him lord, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror.

A Word to Husbands

7 (CE)Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, (CF)as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, (CG)that your prayers may not be hindered.

Called to Blessing

8 Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be [y]courteous; 9 (CH)not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary (CI)blessing, knowing that you were called to this, (CJ)that you may inherit a blessing. 10 For

(CK)“He who would love life
And see good days,
(CL)Let him [z]refrain his tongue from evil,
And his lips from speaking deceit.
11 Let him (CM)turn away from evil and do good;
(CN)Let him seek peace and pursue it.
12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
(CO)And His ears are open to their prayers;
But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

Suffering for Right and Wrong

13 (CP)And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? 14 (CQ)But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. (CR)“And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” 15 But [aa]sanctify [ab]the Lord God in your hearts, and always (CS)be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the (CT)hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; 16 (CU)having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. 17 For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

Christ’s Suffering and Ours

18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring [ac]us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit, 19 by whom also He went and preached to the spirits in prison, 20 who formerly were disobedient, [ad]when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water. 21 (CV)There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (CW)(not the removal of the filth of the flesh, (CX)but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and (CY)is at the right hand of God, (CZ)angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him.

Christ’s Example to Be Followed

4 Therefore, since Christ suffered [ae]for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, (DA)but for the will of God. 3 For we have spent enough of our past [af]lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles—when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries. 4 In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you. 5 They will give an account to Him who is ready (DB)to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this reason (DC)the gospel was preached also to those who are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but (DD)live according to God in the spirit.

Serving for God’s Glory

7 But (DE)the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. 8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for (DF)“love will cover a multitude of sins.” 9 (DG)Be hospitable to one another (DH)without grumbling. 10 (DI)As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, (DJ)as good stewards of (DK)the manifold grace of God. 11 (DL)If anyone speaks, let him speak as the [ag]oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that (DM)in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the [ah]dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Suffering for God’s Glory

12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 but rejoice (DN)to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that (DO)when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 14 If you are [ai]reproached for the name of Christ, (DP)blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. [aj]On their part He is blasphemed, (DQ)but on your part He is glorified. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a [ak]busybody in other people’s matters. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this [al]matter.

17 For the time has come (DR)for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, (DS)what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 Now

(DT)“If the righteous one is scarcely saved,
Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?”

19 Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God (DU)commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.

Shepherd the Flock

5 The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a (DV)witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the (DW)glory that will be revealed: 2 (DX)Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, (DY)not by compulsion but [am]willingly, (DZ)not for dishonest gain but eagerly; 3 nor as (EA)being [an]lords over (EB)those entrusted to you, but (EC)being examples to the flock; 4 and when (ED)the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive (EE)the crown of glory that does not fade away.

Submit to God, Resist the Devil

5 Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, (EF)all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for

(EG)“God resists the proud,
But (EH)gives grace to the humble.”

6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

8 Be [ao]sober, be [ap]vigilant; [aq]because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. 10 But [ar]may the God of all grace, (EI)who called [as]us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, [at]perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. 11 (EJ)To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Farewell and Peace

12 By (EK)Silvanus, our faithful brother as I consider him, I have written to you briefly, exhorting and testifying (EL)that this is the true grace of God in which you stand.

13 She who is in Babylon, elect together with you, greets you; and so does (EM)Mark my son. 14 Greet one another with a kiss of love.

Peace to you all who are in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Footnotes

  1. 1 Peter 1:1 sojourners, temporary residents
  2. 1 Peter 1:4 imperishable
  3. 1 Peter 1:6 distressed
  4. 1 Peter 1:8 M known
  5. 1 Peter 1:12 NU, M you
  6. 1 Peter 1:17 sojourning, dwelling as resident aliens
  7. 1 Peter 1:18 perishable
  8. 1 Peter 1:20 revealed
  9. 1 Peter 1:22 NU omits through the Spirit
  10. 1 Peter 1:22 Lit. unhypocritical
  11. 1 Peter 1:23 perishable
  12. 1 Peter 1:23 imperishable
  13. 1 Peter 1:23 NU omits forever
  14. 1 Peter 1:24 NU its glory as
  15. 1 Peter 1:25 spoken word
  16. 1 Peter 2:2 NU adds up to salvation
  17. 1 Peter 2:7 NU disbelieve
  18. 1 Peter 2:13 institution
  19. 1 Peter 2:16 wickedness
  20. 1 Peter 2:21 NU you
  21. 1 Peter 2:21 NU, M you
  22. 1 Peter 2:24 wounds
  23. 1 Peter 2:25 Gr. Episkopos
  24. 1 Peter 3:4 imperishable
  25. 1 Peter 3:8 NU humble
  26. 1 Peter 3:10 restrain
  27. 1 Peter 3:15 set apart
  28. 1 Peter 3:15 NU Christ as Lord
  29. 1 Peter 3:18 NU, M you
  30. 1 Peter 3:20 NU, M when the longsuffering of God waited patiently
  31. 1 Peter 4:1 NU omits for us
  32. 1 Peter 4:3 NU time
  33. 1 Peter 4:11 utterances
  34. 1 Peter 4:11 sovereignty
  35. 1 Peter 4:14 insulted or reviled
  36. 1 Peter 4:14 NU omits the rest of v. 14.
  37. 1 Peter 4:15 meddler
  38. 1 Peter 4:16 NU name
  39. 1 Peter 5:2 NU adds according to God
  40. 1 Peter 5:3 masters
  41. 1 Peter 5:8 self-controlled
  42. 1 Peter 5:8 watchful
  43. 1 Peter 5:8 NU, M omit because
  44. 1 Peter 5:10 NU the God of all grace,
  45. 1 Peter 5:10 NU, M you
  46. 1 Peter 5:10 NU will perfect
Listen to 1 Peter 1-5
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1 Peter 1-5
New International Version

1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,(A)

To God’s elect,(B) exiles(C) scattered(D) throughout the provinces of Pontus,(E) Galatia,(F) Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia,(G) 2 who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge(H) of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit,(I) to be obedient(J) to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood:(K)

Grace and peace be yours in abundance.(L)

Praise to God for a Living Hope

3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!(M) In his great mercy(N) he has given us new birth(O) into a living hope(P) through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,(Q) 4 and into an inheritance(R) that can never perish, spoil or fade.(S) This inheritance is kept in heaven for you,(T) 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power(U) until the coming of the salvation(V) that is ready to be revealed(W) in the last time. 6 In all this you greatly rejoice,(X) though now for a little while(Y) you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.(Z) 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness(AA) of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire(AB)—may result in praise, glory and honor(AC) when Jesus Christ is revealed.(AD) 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him(AE) and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.(AF)

10 Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke(AG) of the grace that was to come to you,(AH) searched intently and with the greatest care,(AI) 11 trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ(AJ) in them was pointing when he predicted(AK) the sufferings of the Messiah and the glories that would follow. 12 It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you,(AL) when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you(AM) by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven.(AN) Even angels long to look into these things.

Be Holy

13 Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober,(AO) set your hope(AP) on the grace to be brought to you(AQ) when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.(AR) 14 As obedient(AS) children, do not conform(AT) to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.(AU) 15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do;(AV) 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”[a](AW)

17 Since you call on a Father(AX) who judges each person’s work(AY) impartially,(AZ) live out your time as foreigners(BA) here in reverent fear.(BB) 18 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed(BC) from the empty way of life(BD) handed down to you from your ancestors, 19 but with the precious blood(BE) of Christ, a lamb(BF) without blemish or defect.(BG) 20 He was chosen before the creation of the world,(BH) but was revealed in these last times(BI) for your sake. 21 Through him you believe in God,(BJ) who raised him from the dead(BK) and glorified him,(BL) and so your faith and hope(BM) are in God.

22 Now that you have purified(BN) yourselves by obeying(BO) the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply,(BP) from the heart.[b] 23 For you have been born again,(BQ) not of perishable seed, but of imperishable,(BR) through the living and enduring word of God.(BS) 24 For,

“All people are like grass,
    and all their glory is like the flowers of the field;
the grass withers and the flowers fall,
25     but the word of the Lord endures forever.”[c](BT)

And this is the word that was preached to you.

2 Therefore, rid yourselves(BU) of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander(BV) of every kind. 2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk,(BW) so that by it you may grow up(BX) in your salvation, 3 now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.(BY)

The Living Stone and a Chosen People

4 As you come to him, the living Stone(BZ)—rejected by humans but chosen by God(CA) and precious to him— 5 you also, like living stones, are being built(CB) into a spiritual house[d](CC) to be a holy priesthood,(CD) offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.(CE) 6 For in Scripture it says:

“See, I lay a stone in Zion,
    a chosen and precious cornerstone,(CF)
and the one who trusts in him
    will never be put to shame.”[e](CG)

7 Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe,(CH)

“The stone the builders rejected(CI)
    has become the cornerstone,”[f](CJ)

8 and,

“A stone that causes people to stumble
    and a rock that makes them fall.”[g](CK)

They stumble because they disobey the message—which is also what they were destined for.(CL)

9 But you are a chosen people,(CM) a royal priesthood,(CN) a holy nation,(CO) God’s special possession,(CP) that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.(CQ) 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God;(CR) once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

Living Godly Lives in a Pagan Society

11 Dear friends,(CS) I urge you, as foreigners and exiles,(CT) to abstain from sinful desires,(CU) which wage war against your soul.(CV) 12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds(CW) and glorify God(CX) on the day he visits us.

13 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority:(CY) whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, 14 or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong(CZ) and to commend those who do right.(DA) 15 For it is God’s will(DB) that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people.(DC) 16 Live as free people,(DD) but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil;(DE) live as God’s slaves.(DF) 17 Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers,(DG) fear God, honor the emperor.(DH)

18 Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters,(DI) not only to those who are good and considerate,(DJ) but also to those who are harsh. 19 For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God.(DK) 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.(DL) 21 To this(DM) you were called,(DN) because Christ suffered for you,(DO) leaving you an example,(DP) that you should follow in his steps.

22 “He committed no sin,(DQ)
    and no deceit was found in his mouth.”[h](DR)

23 When they hurled their insults at him,(DS) he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats.(DT) Instead, he entrusted himself(DU) to him who judges justly.(DV) 24 “He himself bore our sins”(DW) in his body on the cross,(DX) so that we might die to sins(DY) and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”(DZ) 25 For “you were like sheep going astray,”[i](EA) but now you have returned to the Shepherd(EB) and Overseer of your souls.(EC)

3 Wives, in the same way submit yourselves(ED) to your own husbands(EE) so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over(EF) without words by the behavior of their wives, 2 when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. 3 Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes.(EG) 4 Rather, it should be that of your inner self,(EH) the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.(EI) 5 For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God(EJ) used to adorn themselves.(EK) They submitted themselves to their own husbands, 6 like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her lord.(EL) You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear.

7 Husbands,(EM) in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.

Suffering for Doing Good

8 Finally, all of you, be like-minded,(EN) be sympathetic, love one another,(EO) be compassionate and humble.(EP) 9 Do not repay evil with evil(EQ) or insult with insult.(ER) On the contrary, repay evil with blessing,(ES) because to this(ET) you were called(EU) so that you may inherit a blessing.(EV) 10 For,

“Whoever would love life
    and see good days
must keep their tongue from evil
    and their lips from deceitful speech.
11 They must turn from evil and do good;
    they must seek peace and pursue it.
12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous
    and his ears are attentive to their prayer,
but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”[j](EW)

13 Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good?(EX) 14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed.(EY) “Do not fear their threats[k]; do not be frightened.”[l](EZ) 15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer(FA) to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope(FB) that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience,(FC) so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.(FD) 17 For it is better, if it is God’s will,(FE) to suffer for doing good(FF) than for doing evil. 18 For Christ also suffered once(FG) for sins,(FH) the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.(FI) He was put to death in the body(FJ) but made alive in the Spirit.(FK) 19 After being made alive,[m] he went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits(FL)— 20 to those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently(FM) in the days of Noah while the ark was being built.(FN) In it only a few people, eight in all,(FO) were saved(FP) through water, 21 and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you(FQ) also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience(FR) toward God.[n] It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ,(FS) 22 who has gone into heaven(FT) and is at God’s right hand(FU)—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.(FV)

Living for God

4 Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body,(FW) arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin.(FX) 2 As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires,(FY) but rather for the will of God. 3 For you have spent enough time in the past(FZ) doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry.(GA) 4 They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you.(GB) 5 But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.(GC) 6 For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead,(GD) so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.

7 The end of all things is near.(GE) Therefore be alert and of sober mind(GF) so that you may pray. 8 Above all, love each other deeply,(GG) because love covers over a multitude of sins.(GH) 9 Offer hospitality(GI) to one another without grumbling.(GJ) 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others,(GK) as faithful(GL) stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God.(GM) If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides,(GN) so that in all things God may be praised(GO) through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.(GP)

Suffering for Being a Christian

12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you(GQ) to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice(GR) inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ,(GS) so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.(GT) 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ,(GU) you are blessed,(GV) for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 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.(GW) 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household;(GX) and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?(GY) 18 And,

“If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
    what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”[o](GZ)

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

To the Elders and the Flock

5 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder(HB) and a witness(HC) of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed:(HD) 2 Be shepherds of God’s flock(HE) that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be;(HF) not pursuing dishonest gain,(HG) but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over(HH) those entrusted to you, but being examples(HI) to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd(HJ) appears, you will receive the crown of glory(HK) that will never fade away.(HL)

5 In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves(HM) to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility(HN) toward one another, because,

“God opposes the proud
    but shows favor to the humble.”[p](HO)

6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.(HP) 7 Cast all your anxiety on him(HQ) because he cares for you.(HR)

8 Be alert and of sober mind.(HS) Your enemy the devil prowls around(HT) like a roaring lion(HU) looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him,(HV) standing firm in the faith,(HW) because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.(HX)

10 And the God of all grace, who called you(HY) to his eternal glory(HZ) in Christ, after you have suffered a little while,(IA) will himself restore you and make you strong,(IB) firm and steadfast. 11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.(IC)

Final Greetings

12 With the help of Silas,[q](ID) whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly,(IE) encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it.(IF)

13 She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and so does my son Mark.(IG) 14 Greet one another with a kiss of love.(IH)

Peace(II) to all of you who are in Christ.

Footnotes

  1. 1 Peter 1:16 Lev. 11:44,45; 19:2
  2. 1 Peter 1:22 Some early manuscripts from a pure heart
  3. 1 Peter 1:25 Isaiah 40:6-8 (see Septuagint)
  4. 1 Peter 2:5 Or into a temple of the Spirit
  5. 1 Peter 2:6 Isaiah 28:16
  6. 1 Peter 2:7 Psalm 118:22
  7. 1 Peter 2:8 Isaiah 8:14
  8. 1 Peter 2:22 Isaiah 53:9
  9. 1 Peter 2:25 Isaiah 53:4,5,6 (see Septuagint)
  10. 1 Peter 3:12 Psalm 34:12-16
  11. 1 Peter 3:14 Or fear what they fear
  12. 1 Peter 3:14 Isaiah 8:12
  13. 1 Peter 3:19 Or but made alive in the spirit, 19 in which also
  14. 1 Peter 3:21 Or but an appeal to God for a clear conscience
  15. 1 Peter 4:18 Prov. 11:31 (see Septuagint)
  16. 1 Peter 5:5 Prov. 3:34
  17. 1 Peter 5:12 Greek Silvanus, a variant of Silas
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