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In like manner, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, even if any obey not the word, they may without the word be gained by the [a]behavior of their wives; beholding your chaste [b]behavior coupled with fear. Whose adorning let it not be the outward adorning of braiding the hair, and of wearing jewels of gold, or of putting on apparel; but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in the incorruptible apparel of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. For after this manner aforetime the holy women also, who hoped in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection to their own [c]husbands: as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose children ye now are, if ye do well, and are not [d]put in fear by any terror.

Ye husbands, in like manner, dwell with your wives according to knowledge, giving honor [e]unto the woman, as unto the weaker vessel, as being also joint-heirs of the grace of life; to the end that your prayers be not hindered.

Finally, be ye all likeminded, [f]compassionate, loving as brethren, tenderhearted, humbleminded: not rendering evil for evil, or reviling for reviling; but contrariwise blessing; for hereunto were ye called, that ye should inherit a blessing. 10 For,

[g]He that would love life,
And see good days,
Let him refrain his tongue from evil,
And his lips that they speak no guile:
11 And let him turn away from evil, and do good;
Let him seek peace, and pursue it.
12 For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous,
And his ears unto their supplication:
But the face of the Lord is upon them that do evil.

13 And who is he that will harm you, if ye be zealous of that which is good? 14 But even if ye should suffer for righteousness’ sake, blessed are ye: and fear not their fear, neither be troubled; 15 but sanctify in your hearts Christ as Lord: being ready always to give answer to every man that asketh you a reason concerning the hope that is in you, yet with meekness and fear: 16 having a good conscience; that, wherein ye are spoken against, they may be put to shame who revile your good manner of life in Christ. 17 For it is better, if the will of God should so will, that ye suffer for well-doing than for evil-doing. 18 Because Christ also [h]suffered for sins once, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God; being put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit; 19 in which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison, 20 that aforetime were disobedient, when the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, [i]wherein few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water: 21 which also [j]after a true likeness doth now save you, even baptism, not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the [k]interrogation of a good conscience toward God, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ; 22 who is on the right hand of God, having gone into heaven; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.

Forasmuch then as Christ suffered in the flesh, arm ye yourselves also with the same [l]mind; for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased [m]from sin; that [n]ye no longer should live the rest of your time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. For the time past may suffice to have wrought the desire of the Gentiles, and to have walked in lasciviousness, lusts, winebibbings, revellings, carousings, and abominable idolatries: wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them into the same [o]excess of riot, speaking evil of you: who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the living and the dead. For unto this end [p]was the gospel preached even to the dead, that they might be judged indeed according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.

But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore of sound mind, and be sober unto [q]prayer: above all things being fervent in your love among yourselves; for love covereth a multitude of sins: using hospitality one to another without murmuring: 10 according as each hath received a gift, ministering it among yourselves, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God; 11 if any man speaketh, speaking as it were oracles of God; if any man ministereth, ministering as of the strength which God supplieth: that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, whose is the glory and the dominion [r]for ever and ever. Amen.

12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial among you, which cometh upon you to prove you, as though a strange thing happened unto you: 13 but insomuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings, rejoice; that at the revelation of his glory also ye may rejoice with exceeding joy. 14 If ye are reproached [s]for the name of Christ, blessed are ye; because the Spirit of glory and the Spirit of God resteth upon you. 15 For let none of you suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or an evil-doer, or as a meddler in other men’s matters: 16 but if a man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God in this name. 17 For the time is come for judgment to begin at the house of God: and if it begin first at us, what shall be the end of them that obey not the [t]gospel of God? 18 And if the righteous is scarcely saved, where shall the ungodly and sinner appear? 19 Wherefore let them also that suffer according to the will of God commit their souls in well-doing unto a faithful Creator.

The elders therefore among you I exhort, who am a fellow-elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, who am also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Tend the flock of God which is among you, [u]exercising the oversight, not of constraint, but willingly, [v]according to the will of God; nor yet for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; neither as lording it over the charge allotted to you, but making yourselves ensamples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall be manifested, ye shall receive the crown of glory that fadeth not away. [w]Likewise, ye younger, be subject unto the elder. Yea, all of you gird yourselves with humility, to serve one another: for God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time; casting all your anxiety upon him, because he careth for you. Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: whom withstand stedfast in [x]your faith, knowing that the same sufferings are [y]accomplished in your [z]brethren who are in the world. 10 And the God of all grace, who called you unto his eternal glory in Christ, after that ye have suffered a little while, shall himself [aa]perfect, establish, strengthen [ab]you. 11 To him be the dominion [ac]for ever and ever. Amen.

12 By Silvanus, [ad]our faithful brother, as I account him, I have written unto you briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God: stand ye fast therein. 13 [ae]She that is in Babylon, elect together with you, saluteth you; and so doth Mark my son. 14 Salute one another with a kiss of love.

Peace be unto you all that are in Christ.

Footnotes

  1. 1 Peter 3:1 Or, manner of life. verse 16
  2. 1 Peter 3:2 Or, manner of life. verse 16
  3. 1 Peter 3:5 Or, husbands (as Sarah . . . ye are become), doing well, and not being afraid
  4. 1 Peter 3:6 Or, afraid with
  5. 1 Peter 3:7 Greek unto the female vessel, as weaker.
  6. 1 Peter 3:8 Greek sympathetic.
  7. 1 Peter 3:10 Ps. 34:12ff.
  8. 1 Peter 3:18 Many ancient authorities read died.
  9. 1 Peter 3:20 Or, into which few, that is, eight souls, were brought safely through water
  10. 1 Peter 3:21 Or, in the antitype
  11. 1 Peter 3:21 Or, inquiry. Or, appeal
  12. 1 Peter 4:1 Or, thought
  13. 1 Peter 4:1 Some ancient authorities read unto sins.
  14. 1 Peter 4:2 Or, he no longer . . . his time
  15. 1 Peter 4:4 Or, flood
  16. 1 Peter 4:6 Or, were the good tidings preached
  17. 1 Peter 4:7 Greek prayers.
  18. 1 Peter 4:11 Greek unto the ages of the ages.
  19. 1 Peter 4:14 Greek in.
  20. 1 Peter 4:17 Greek good tidings. See Mt. 4:23 margin.
  21. 1 Peter 5:2 Some ancient authorities omit exercising the oversight.
  22. 1 Peter 5:2 Some ancient authorities omit according to the will of God.
  23. 1 Peter 5:5 Or, Likewise . . . elder; yea, all of you one to another. Gird yourselves with humility
  24. 1 Peter 5:9 Or, the
  25. 1 Peter 5:9 Greek being accomplished.
  26. 1 Peter 5:9 Greek brotherhood.
  27. 1 Peter 5:10 Or, restore
  28. 1 Peter 5:10 Many ancient authorities add settle.
  29. 1 Peter 5:11 Greek unto the ages of the ages.
  30. 1 Peter 5:12 Greek the.
  31. 1 Peter 5:13 That is, The church, or, The sister

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

Husbands,(J) 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

Finally, all of you, be like-minded,(K) be sympathetic, love one another,(L) be compassionate and humble.(M) Do not repay evil with evil(N) or insult with insult.(O) On the contrary, repay evil with blessing,(P) because to this(Q) you were called(R) so that you may inherit a blessing.(S) 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.”[a](T)

13 Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good?(U) 14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed.(V) “Do not fear their threats[b]; do not be frightened.”[c](W) 15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer(X) to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope(Y) that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience,(Z) so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.(AA) 17 For it is better, if it is God’s will,(AB) to suffer for doing good(AC) than for doing evil. 18 For Christ also suffered once(AD) for sins,(AE) the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.(AF) He was put to death in the body(AG) but made alive in the Spirit.(AH) 19 After being made alive,[d] he went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits(AI) 20 to those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently(AJ) in the days of Noah while the ark was being built.(AK) In it only a few people, eight in all,(AL) were saved(AM) through water, 21 and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you(AN) also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience(AO) toward God.[e] It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ,(AP) 22 who has gone into heaven(AQ) and is at God’s right hand(AR)—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.(AS)

Living for God

Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body,(AT) arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin.(AU) As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires,(AV) but rather for the will of God. For you have spent enough time in the past(AW) doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry.(AX) They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you.(AY) But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.(AZ) For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead,(BA) 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.

The end of all things is near.(BB) Therefore be alert and of sober mind(BC) so that you may pray. Above all, love each other deeply,(BD) because love covers over a multitude of sins.(BE) Offer hospitality(BF) to one another without grumbling.(BG) 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others,(BH) as faithful(BI) 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.(BJ) If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides,(BK) so that in all things God may be praised(BL) through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.(BM)

Suffering for Being a Christian

12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you(BN) to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice(BO) inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ,(BP) so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.(BQ) 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ,(BR) you are blessed,(BS) 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.(BT) 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household;(BU) and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?(BV) 18 And,

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

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

To the Elders and the Flock

To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder(BY) and a witness(BZ) of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed:(CA) Be shepherds of God’s flock(CB) that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be;(CC) not pursuing dishonest gain,(CD) but eager to serve; not lording it over(CE) those entrusted to you, but being examples(CF) to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd(CG) appears, you will receive the crown of glory(CH) that will never fade away.(CI)

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

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

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.(CM) Cast all your anxiety on him(CN) because he cares for you.(CO)

Be alert and of sober mind.(CP) Your enemy the devil prowls around(CQ) like a roaring lion(CR) looking for someone to devour. Resist him,(CS) standing firm in the faith,(CT) because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.(CU)

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

Final Greetings

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

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

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

Footnotes

  1. 1 Peter 3:12 Psalm 34:12-16
  2. 1 Peter 3:14 Or fear what they fear
  3. 1 Peter 3:14 Isaiah 8:12
  4. 1 Peter 3:19 Or but made alive in the spirit, 19 in which also
  5. 1 Peter 3:21 Or but an appeal to God for a clear conscience
  6. 1 Peter 4:18 Prov. 11:31 (see Septuagint)
  7. 1 Peter 5:5 Prov. 3:34
  8. 1 Peter 5:12 Greek Silvanus, a variant of Silas