1 Peter 2:4-9

New American Standard Bible

As Living Stones

⁴And coming to Him as to a living stone which has been ^(A)rejected by people, but is ^[a]choice and precious in the sight of God, ⁵^(B)you also, as living stones, ^[b]are being built up as a ^(C)spiritual house for a holy ^(D)priesthood, to ^(E)offer spiritual sacrifices that are acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. ⁶For this is contained in ^[c]Scripture:

“^(F)Behold, I am laying in Zion a choice stone, a ^(G)precious cornerstone,
And the one who believes in ^[d]Him will not be ^[e]put to shame.”

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

“^(I)A stone which the builders ^(J)rejected,
This became the ^[f]chief cornerstone,”

⁸and,

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

^(L)for they stumble because they are disobedient to the word, ^(M)and to this they were also appointed.

⁹But you are ^(N)a chosen people, a royal ^(O)priesthood, a ^(P)holy nation, ^(Q)a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you ^(R)out of darkness into His marvelous light;