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1 Peter 1-5
New American Standard Bible

A Living Hope and a Sure Salvation

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

To those who reside as (B)strangers, (C)scattered throughout (D)Pontus, (E)Galatia, (F)Cappadocia, (G)Asia, and (H)Bithynia, (I)who are chosen 2 according to the (J)foreknowledge of God the Father, (K)by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, [a]to (L)obey Jesus Christ and be (M)sprinkled with His blood: (N)May grace and peace be multiplied to you.

3 (O)Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who (P)according to His great mercy (Q)has caused us to be born again to (R)a living hope through the (S)resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to obtain an (T)inheritance which is imperishable, undefiled, and (U)will not fade away, (V)reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are (W)protected by the power of God (X)through faith for (Y)a salvation ready (Z)to be revealed in the last time. 6 (AA)In this you greatly rejoice, even though now (AB)for a little while, (AC)if necessary, you have been distressed by (AD)various [b]trials, 7 so that the [c](AE)proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which perishes (AF)though tested by fire, (AG)may be found to result in praise, glory, and honor at (AH)the revelation of Jesus Christ; 8 and (AI)though you have not seen Him, you (AJ)love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and [d]full of glory, 9 obtaining as (AK)the outcome of your faith, the salvation of [e]your souls.

10 (AL)As to this salvation, the prophets who (AM)prophesied of the (AN)grace that would come to you made careful searches and inquiries, 11 [f]seeking to know what person or time (AO)the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating as He (AP)predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories [g]to follow. 12 It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, in these things which now have been announced to you through those who (AQ)preached the gospel to you by (AR)the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things into which (AS)angels long to [h]look.

13 Therefore, [i](AT)prepare your minds for action, [j](AU)keep sober in spirit, set your (AV)hope completely on the (AW)grace to be brought to you at (AX)the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14 As [k](AY)obedient children, do not [l](AZ)be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your (BA)ignorance, 15 but [m](BB)like the Holy One who called you, [n](BC)be holy yourselves also (BD)in all your behavior; 16 because it is written: “(BE)You shall be holy, for I am holy.”

17 If you (BF)address as Father the One who (BG)impartially (BH)judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves (BI)in fear during the time of your (BJ)stay on earth; 18 knowing that you were not [o](BK)redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your (BL)futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, 19 but with precious (BM)blood, as of a (BN)lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ. 20 For He was (BO)foreknown before (BP)the foundation of the world, but has (BQ)appeared [p]in these last times (BR)for the sake of you 21 who through Him are (BS)believers in God, who raised Him from the dead and (BT)gave Him glory, so that your faith and (BU)hope are in God.

22 Since you have (BV)purified your souls (BW)in obedience to the truth for a (BX)sincere love of the brothers and sisters, fervently love one another from [q]the heart, 23 for you have been (BY)born again (BZ)not of seed which is perishable, but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring (CA)word of God. 24 For,

“(CB)All flesh is like grass,
And all its glory is like the flower of grass.
The grass withers,
And the flower falls off,
25 (CC)But the word of the Lord endures forever.”

And this is (CD)the word which was [r]preached to you.

As Newborn Babes

2 Therefore, (CE)rid yourselves of all [s]malice and all deceit and [t]hypocrisy and [u]envy and all [v](CF)slander, 2 (CG)and like newborn babies, long for the [w](CH)pure [x]milk of the word, so that by it you may (CI)grow [y]in respect to salvation, 3 if you have (CJ)tasted [z](CK)the kindness of the Lord.

As Living Stones

4 And coming to Him as to a living stone which has been (CL)rejected by people, but is [aa]choice and precious in the sight of God, 5 (CM)you also, as living stones, [ab]are being built up as a (CN)spiritual house for a holy (CO)priesthood, to (CP)offer spiritual sacrifices that are acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For this is contained in [ac]Scripture:

“(CQ)Behold, I am laying in Zion a choice stone, a (CR)precious cornerstone,
And the one who believes in [ad]Him will not be [ae]put to shame.”

7 (CS)This precious value, then, is for you who believe; but for unbelievers,

“(CT)A stone which the builders (CU)rejected,
This became the [af]chief cornerstone,”

8 and,

“(CV)A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense”;

(CW)for they stumble because they are disobedient to the word, (CX)and to this they were also appointed.

9 But you are (CY)a chosen people, a royal (CZ)priesthood, a (DA)holy nation, (DB)a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you (DC)out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 (DD)for you once were not a people, but now you are the people of God; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

11 (DE)Beloved, (DF)I urge you as (DG)foreigners and strangers to abstain from (DH)fleshly lusts, which wage (DI)war against the soul. 12 (DJ)Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they (DK)slander you as evildoers, they may [ag]because of your good deeds, as they observe them, (DL)glorify God (DM)on the day of [ah]visitation.

Honor Authority

13 (DN)Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, 14 or to governors as sent [ai]by him (DO)for the punishment of evildoers and the (DP)praise of those who do right. 15 For [aj](DQ)such is the will of God, that by doing right you (DR)silence the ignorance of foolish people. 16 Act as (DS)free people, and [ak]do not use your freedom as a [al]covering for evil, but use it as (DT)bond-servants of God. 17 (DU)Honor all people, (DV)love the brotherhood, (DW)fear God, (DX)honor the [am]king.

18 (DY)Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and (DZ)gentle, but also to those who are [an]harsh. 19 For this finds favor, if for the sake of (EA)conscience toward God a person endures [ao]grief when suffering unjustly. 20 For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if (EB)when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God.

Christ Is Our Example

21 For (EC)you have been called for this purpose, (ED)because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you (EE)an example, so that you would follow in His steps, 22 He who (EF)committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth; 23 [ap]and while being (EG)abusively insulted, He did not insult in return; while suffering, He did not threaten, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously; 24 and He Himself [aq](EH)brought our sins in His body up on the [ar](EI)cross, so that we (EJ)might die to [as]sin and live for righteousness; (EK)by His [at]wounds you were (EL)healed. 25 For you were (EM)continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the (EN)Shepherd and [au]Guardian of your souls.

Godly Living

3 (EO)In the same way, you wives, (EP)be subject to your own husbands so that even if any of them are disobedient to the word, they may be (EQ)won over without a word by the behavior of their wives, 2 as they observe your pure [av]and respectful behavior. 3 (ER)Your adornment must not be merely the external—braiding the hair, wearing gold jewelry, or putting on apparel; 4 but it should be (ES)the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God. 5 For in this way the holy women of former times, (ET)who hoped in God, also used to adorn themselves, being subject to their own husbands, 6 just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, (EU)calling him lord; and you have proved to be her children if you do what is right [aw](EV)without being frightened by any fear.

7 (EW)You husbands in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with [ax](EX)someone weaker, since she is a woman; and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered.

8 [ay]To sum up, (EY)all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, [az](EZ)loving, (FA)compassionate, and (FB)humble; 9 (FC)not returning evil for evil or (FD)insult for insult, but giving a (FE)blessing instead; for (FF)you were called for the very purpose that you would (FG)inherit a blessing. 10 For,

“(FH)The one who desires life, to love and see good days,
Must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit.
11 (FI)He must turn away from evil and do good;
He must seek peace and pursue it.
12 (FJ)For the eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous,
And His ears attend to their prayer,
But the face of the Lord is against evildoers.”

13 (FK)And who is [ba]there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should (FL)suffer for the sake of righteousness, (FM)you [bb]are blessed. (FN)And do not fear their [bc]intimidation, and do not be in dread, 15 but [bd]sanctify (FO)Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready (FP)to make a [be]defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the (FQ)hope that is in you, but (FR)with gentleness and (FS)respect; 16 [bf]and keep a (FT)good conscience so that in the thing in which (FU)you are slandered, those who disparage your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame. 17 For (FV)it is better, (FW)if [bg]God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong. 18 For (FX)Christ also [bh]suffered for sins (FY)once for all time, the just for the unjust, so that He might (FZ)bring us to God, having been put to death (GA)in the flesh, but made alive (GB)in the [bi]spirit; 19 in [bj]which He also went and made proclamation to the spirits in prison, 20 who once were disobedient when the (GC)patience of God (GD)kept waiting in the days of Noah, during the construction of (GE)the ark, in which a few, that is, (GF)eight (GG)persons, were brought safely through the water. 21 (GH)Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you—(GI)not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God [bk]for a (GJ)good conscience—through (GK)the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 (GL)who is at the right hand of God, (GM)having gone into heaven, (GN)after angels and authorities and powers had been subjected to Him.

Keep Fervent in Your Love

4 Therefore, since (GO)Christ has [bl]suffered in the flesh, (GP)arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because (GQ)the one who has [bm]suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 (GR)so as to live (GS)the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human lusts, but for the (GT)will of God. 3 For (GU)the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles, [bn](GV)having pursued a course of indecent behavior, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties, and wanton idolatries. 4 In all this, they are surprised that you do not run with them in the same excesses of (GW)[bo]debauchery, and they (GX)slander you; 5 but they will give an account to Him who is ready to judge (GY)the living and the dead. 6 For (GZ)the gospel has for this purpose been [bp]preached even to those who are dead, that though they are judged in the flesh as people, they may live in the spirit according to the will of God.

7 (HA)The end of all things [bq]is near; therefore, (HB)be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of [br]prayer. 8 Above all, (HC)keep fervent in your love for one another, because (HD)love covers a multitude of sins. 9 (HE)Be hospitable to one another without (HF)complaint. 10 (HG)As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good (HH)stewards of the [bs]multifaceted grace of God. 11 (HI)Whoever speaks is to do so as one who is speaking (HJ)actual words of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving [bt](HK)by the strength which God supplies; so that (HL)in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, (HM)to whom belongs the glory and [bu]dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Share the Sufferings of Christ

12 (HN)Beloved, do not be surprised at the (HO)fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though something strange were happening to you; 13 but to the degree that you (HP)share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that at the (HQ)revelation of His glory (HR)you may also rejoice and be overjoyed. 14 If you are insulted [bv](HS)for the name of Christ, (HT)you are blessed, (HU)because the Spirit of glory, and of God, rests upon you. 15 Make sure that (HV)none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a [bw](HW)troublesome meddler; 16 but if anyone suffers as a (HX)Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to (HY)glorify God in this name. 17 For it is time for judgment (HZ)to begin [bx]with (IA)the household of God; and if it (IB)begins [by]with us first, what will be the outcome for those (IC)who do not obey the (ID)gospel of God? 18 (IE)And if it is with difficulty that the righteous is saved, [bz]what will become of the (IF)godless man and the sinner? 19 Therefore, those also who suffer according to (IG)the will of God are to entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.

Serve God Willingly

5 (IH)Therefore, I urge elders among you, as your (II)fellow elder and a (IJ)witness of the sufferings of Christ, and one who is also a [ca](IK)fellow partaker of the glory that is to be revealed: 2 shepherd (IL)the flock of God among you, exercising oversight, (IM)not under compulsion but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and (IN)not [cb]with greed but with eagerness; 3 nor yet as (IO)domineering over [cc]those assigned to your care, but by [cd]proving to be [ce](IP)examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief (IQ)Shepherd appears, you will receive the (IR)unfading [cf](IS)crown of glory. 5 (IT)You [cg]younger men, likewise, (IU)be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with (IV)humility toward one another, because (IW)God is opposed to the proud, but He gives grace to the humble.

6 Therefore (IX)humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you at the proper time, 7 having cast all your (IY)anxiety on Him, because He cares about you. 8 (IZ)Be of sober spirit, (JA)be on the alert. Your adversary, (JB)the devil, prowls around like a roaring (JC)lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 [ch](JD)So resist him, (JE)firm in your faith, knowing that (JF)the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your [ci]brothers and sisters who are in the world. 10 After you have suffered (JG)for a little while, the (JH)God of all grace, who (JI)called you to His (JJ)eternal glory in Christ, will Himself (JK)perfect, (JL)confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 11 (JM)To Him be dominion forever and ever. Amen.

12 Through (JN)Silvanus, our faithful brother [cj](for so I regard him), (JO)I have written to you briefly, [ck]exhorting and testifying that this is (JP)the true grace of God. (JQ)Stand firm in it! 13 She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you greetings, and so does my son, (JR)Mark. 14 (JS)Greet one another with a kiss of love.

(JT)Peace be to you all who are in Christ.

Footnotes

  1. 1 Peter 1:2 Lit unto obedience and sprinkling
  2. 1 Peter 1:6 Or temptations
  3. 1 Peter 1:7 Or genuineness
  4. 1 Peter 1:8 Lit glorified
  5. 1 Peter 1:9 One early ms does not contain your
  6. 1 Peter 1:11 Or inquiring
  7. 1 Peter 1:11 Lit after these
  8. 1 Peter 1:12 Or gain a clear glimpse
  9. 1 Peter 1:13 Lit belt up the waist of your mind
  10. 1 Peter 1:13 Lit be sober
  11. 1 Peter 1:14 Lit children of obedience
  12. 1 Peter 1:14 Or conform yourselves
  13. 1 Peter 1:15 Lit according to
  14. 1 Peter 1:15 Or become
  15. 1 Peter 1:18 Or ransomed
  16. 1 Peter 1:20 Lit at the end of the times
  17. 1 Peter 1:22 Two early mss a pure heart
  18. 1 Peter 1:25 Lit preached as good news to you
  19. 1 Peter 2:1 Or wickedness
  20. 1 Peter 2:1 plural nouns
  21. 1 Peter 2:1 plural nouns
  22. 1 Peter 2:1 plural nouns
  23. 1 Peter 2:2 Or unadulterated
  24. 1 Peter 2:2 Or spiritual (Gr logikos) milk, so
  25. 1 Peter 2:2 Or up to salvation
  26. 1 Peter 2:3 Lit that the Lord is kind
  27. 1 Peter 2:4 Lit chosen; or elect
  28. 1 Peter 2:5 Or allow yourselves to be built up; or build yourselves up
  29. 1 Peter 2:6 Or a scripture
  30. 1 Peter 2:6 Or it
  31. 1 Peter 2:6 Or disappointed
  32. 1 Peter 2:7 Lit head of the corner
  33. 1 Peter 2:12 Or as a result of
  34. 1 Peter 2:12 I.e., Christ’s coming again in judgment
  35. 1 Peter 2:14 Lit through
  36. 1 Peter 2:15 Lit so
  37. 1 Peter 2:16 Lit not having
  38. 1 Peter 2:16 I.e., a way to conceal
  39. 1 Peter 2:17 Or emperor
  40. 1 Peter 2:18 Or unscrupulous
  41. 1 Peter 2:19 Or pain
  42. 1 Peter 2:23 Lit who
  43. 1 Peter 2:24 Or offered...up
  44. 1 Peter 2:24 Lit wood; see Deut 21:23
  45. 1 Peter 2:24 Lit sins
  46. 1 Peter 2:24 Lit wound; or welt
  47. 1 Peter 2:25 Or Bishop, Overseer
  48. 1 Peter 3:2 Lit with respect
  49. 1 Peter 3:6 Lit and are not
  50. 1 Peter 3:7 Lit a weaker vessel
  51. 1 Peter 3:8 Or Finally
  52. 1 Peter 3:8 I.e., as brothers and sisters
  53. 1 Peter 3:13 Lit the one who will harm you
  54. 1 Peter 3:14 Or would be
  55. 1 Peter 3:14 Lit fear
  56. 1 Peter 3:15 I.e., set apart
  57. 1 Peter 3:15 Or argument; or explanation
  58. 1 Peter 3:16 Lit having a good
  59. 1 Peter 3:17 Lit the will of God
  60. 1 Peter 3:18 One early ms died
  61. 1 Peter 3:18 Or Spirit
  62. 1 Peter 3:19 Or whom
  63. 1 Peter 3:21 Or from
  64. 1 Peter 4:1 I.e., suffered death
  65. 1 Peter 4:1 I.e., suffered death
  66. 1 Peter 4:3 Lit having gone in
  67. 1 Peter 4:4 Or reckless abandon
  68. 1 Peter 4:6 I.e., preached in their lifetimes
  69. 1 Peter 4:7 Lit has come near
  70. 1 Peter 4:7 Lit prayers
  71. 1 Peter 4:10 Or manifold
  72. 1 Peter 4:11 Lit from
  73. 1 Peter 4:11 Or power
  74. 1 Peter 4:14 Lit in
  75. 1 Peter 4:15 Lit one who oversees others’ affairs
  76. 1 Peter 4:17 Lit from
  77. 1 Peter 4:17 Lit from
  78. 1 Peter 4:18 Lit where will appear
  79. 1 Peter 5:1 Or partner in
  80. 1 Peter 5:2 Or for dishonest gain
  81. 1 Peter 5:3 Lit the allotments
  82. 1 Peter 5:3 Or becoming examples
  83. 1 Peter 5:3 Or role models
  84. 1 Peter 5:4 Lit wreath
  85. 1 Peter 5:5 Or young people
  86. 1 Peter 5:9 Lit Whom resist
  87. 1 Peter 5:9 Lit fellowship
  88. 1 Peter 5:12 Lit (as I consider)
  89. 1 Peter 5:12 Or encouraging
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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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