Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and rejoice with an inexpressible and glorious joy,

Through him you have confidence in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.

As you come to him, the living Stone rejected by men but chosen and precious in the sight of God

For it stands in scripture: "Behold, I lay in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and he who believes in him will not be put to shame."

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right.

when he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he uttered no threats, but he trusted himself to him who judges justly.

just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children if you do what is right and are not frightened by any fear.

who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels and authorities and powers subject to him.

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

Whoever speaks is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belongs the glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

yet if one suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but under that name let him glorify God.

Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.

But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren throughout the world.

To him be the dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

With the help of Silvanus, a faithful brother as I regard him, I have written to you briefly, exhorting you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it.