And though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,

It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, in these things which now have been declared to you through those who proclaimed the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things into which angels long to look.

As obedient children, not being conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance,

And if you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your sojourn,

knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things like silver or gold from your futile conduct inherited from your forefathers,

for you have been born again not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, that is, through the living and enduring word of God.

For this is contained in Scripture: “Behold, I lay in Zion a choice stone, a precious corner stone, And he who believes upon Him will not be put to shame.”

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.

Act as free people, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as slaves of God.

Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are crooked.

who being reviled, was not reviling in return; while suffering, He was uttering no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously.

Your adornment must not be merely external—braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on garments;

just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. You have become her children if you do good, not fearing any intimidation.

You husbands in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with a weaker vessel, 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.

not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but giving a blessing instead, for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing.

But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their fear, and do not be troubled,

Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you—not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal of a good conscience to God—through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

In all this, they are surprised that you do not run with them into the same excesses of dissipation, maligning you,

but they will give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.

For to this the gospel has been proclaimed even to those who are now dead, so that though they were judged in the flesh as men, they live in the spirit according to the will of God.

Sharing the Suffering of Christ

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you.

but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be put to shame, but is to glorify God in this name.

For it is time for judgment to begin with the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?

shepherd the flock of God among you, overseeing not under compulsion, but willingly, according to God; and not for dishonest gain, but with eagerness;