It was revealed to them that it was not for themselves, but for you, that they were ministering the truths which have now been announced to you, by those who preached the gospel to you, through the help of the Holy Spirit sent forth from heaven??ruths into which angels long to look.

but become yourselves holy in your whole manner of living, as He who has called you is holy,

but with precious blood, like that of a lamb without spot or blemish, even the blood of Christ.

He was indeed foreknown before the foundation of the world, but was manifested at the end of the times for your sake.

For you have been born anew, not of perishable, but of imperishable seed, by the living, lasting word of God.

But the word of the Lord abides forever. And this is the word of the gospel which has been told to you.

Come to him then, that living Stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God, and precious.

For you, then, that believe, is the preciousness; but for those who do not believe, A stone which the builders rejected, The same has become the head stone of the corner,

But you are an elect race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a purchased people, that you may show forth the virtues of Him who has called you out of darkness into his marvelous light??10 you who once were not a people, but now are the people of God; who were once without mercy, but now you have found mercy.

Live like free men; and yet do not make your freedom a cloak for misconduct, but be the slaves of God.

Household slaves, submit yourselves to your masters in all reverence; not only to the kind and gentle, but also to the unreasonable.

For what credit is it if, when you are struck for a fault, you take it patiently? But if when you are doing well and suffer for it, you always take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.

He was reviled, and reviled not back. When he suffered he never threatened but always committed his cause to the One who judges rightly.

For you were straying like lost sheep, but you are now returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.

but rather that hidden personality of the heart, the imperishable ornament of a quiet and gentle spirit, which in the sight of God is indeed precious.

not paying back evil for evil or abuse for abuse, but on the contrary giving a blessing. Because for this you have been called??o inherit a blessing.

For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, And his ears are open to their cry; But the face of the Lord is set against evil-doers.

But even if you should suffer in behalf of righteousness, you are happy. Do not be afraid of their terror, neither be troubled.

But consecrate Christ in your hearts, as Lord. Be always in readiness to make and answer to any one who asks you a reason for the hope that is within you, yet with gentleness and reverence.

because Christ also once for all suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God. He was put to death in the flesh, but make alive in spirit.

Baptism, the counterpart of that, now saves you (not the washing off of the filth of the flesh, but the prayer for a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

so that in future you may not spend your life in the flesh according to men's desires, but in the will of God.

But they must render account to Him who stands ready to judge the living and the dead.

The gospel was preached for this cause to those who were dead also, that they might be judged according to men in flesh, but live according to God in spirit.

But the end of all things is close at hand; so be sober, watch and pray.

But be glad in the degree in which you share in the sufferings of Christ; so that when his glory shall be revealed, you too may be glad with triumphant gladness.

But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evil-doer, or as a spy upon other people's business.

But if any man is suffering as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him ever glorify God in this Name.

Be shepherds to your flock of God; take charge of them willingly, and not through compulsion; not for filthy lucre, but with a willing mind;

not by way of lording it over your heritage, but by becoming examples to the flock.

You younger men must submit to the presbyters; and all of you must put on the garment of humility and serve one another, for God resists the haughty, But gives grace to the humble.

But the God of all grace, who has called us by Christ Jesus to share his eternal glory, will, after you have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.