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who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance.
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These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.
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for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
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Be Holy
Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.
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Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear.
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For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors,
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He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake.
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Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.
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Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart.
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Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.
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Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,
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Living Godly Lives in a Pagan Society
Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul.
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Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.
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Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority,
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Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves.
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Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh.
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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.
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For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
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Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives,
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when they see the purity and reverence of your lives.
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Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes.
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Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.
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Husbands, 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.
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But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,
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keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
