searching as to what time or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ Who was in them was pointing to, when testifying beforehand the sufferings destined for Christ, and the subsequent glories;

as children of obedience, not conforming yourselves to the former desires in your ignorance;

but, according as He Who called you is holy, do ye yourselves become holy in all your conduct;

And, if ye call on Him as Father, Who, without respect of persons, judgeth according to each one's work, pass the time of your sojourning in fear;

but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot;

Because "All flesh is as grass, and all its glory as the flower of grass: the grass withered, and the flower fell off; but the word of the Lord abides forever."

as new-born babes, long ye for the spiritual, unadulterated milk, that thereby ye may grow unto salvation,

ye yourselves also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

Beloved, I beseech you as sojourners and pilgrims, to abstain from fleshly desires, which, indeed, war against the soul;

having your conduct seemly among the gentiles; that, wherein they speak against you as evil-doers, they may, from your good works which they behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

Submit yourself to every human ordinance, for the Lord's sake; whether to a king as supreme;

or to governors, as sent through him for the punishment of evil-doers, and for praise to those who do well;

as free, and not holding your freedom as a cloak for wickedness, but as servants of God.

For, as sheep, ye were going astray; but now ye returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, of whom ye became children; if ye do good, and fear no alarm.

Ye husbands, in like manner, dwell with them according to knowledge, assigning honor to the woman, as to the weaker vessel, as being also joint-heirs of the grace of life; to the end that your prayers be not hindered.

And, finally, be ye all of one mind, compassionate, loving as brethren, tender-hearted, humble-minded;

but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts; ready always for an answer to every one who asks of you an account concerning the hope that is in you, yet with meekness and fear;

according as each one received a gift, ministering it among yourselves, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God;

if anyone speaks, as uttering the oracles of God; if anyone ministers, ministering as of the strength which God supplieth; that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ; to Whom is the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Beloved, be not surprised at the fiery-test taking place among you to prove you, as though a strange thing happened to you;

but, in so far as ye share in Christ's sufferings, rejoice; that at the revelation of His glory also ye may rejoice with exceeding joy.

For let no one of you suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or an evildoer, or as a meddler in other men's matters;

but, if one suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this name.

neither as lording it over the allotted charges, but becoming examples to the flock;

Be sober, be watchful. Your adversary the Devil, as a roaring lion, is going about, seeking whom he may devour;

Through Sylvanus, our faithful brother, as I consider him, I wrote to you briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God; within which stand ye.