to an incorruptible and undefiled inheritance that does not fade away, reserved in Heaven for you,

whom not having seen you love; in whom, though now you do not see him, yet believing, you rejoice greatly with joy inexpressible and full of glory?

To them it was revealed, that not to themselves, but to you, they ministered these things, which now have been announced to you through those who preached the Good News to you by the Holy Spirit sent out from heaven; which things angels desire to look into.

as children of obedience, not conforming yourselves according to your former lusts as in your ignorance,

knowing that you were redeemed, not with corruptible things, with silver or gold, from the useless way of life handed down from your fathers,

having been born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, through the living and abiding Word of God.

Because it is contained in Scripture, "Behold, I lay in Zion a chief cornerstone, chosen, and precious: He who believes in him will not be put to shame."

For you who believe therefore is the honor, but for those who do not believe, "The stone which the builders rejected, has become the chief cornerstone,"

who once were not a people, but now are God's people, who had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

as free, and not using your freedom for a cloak of wickedness, but as bondservants of God.

Servants, be in subjection to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the wicked.

who did not sin, "neither was deceit found in his mouth."

Who, when he was cursed, did not curse back. When he suffered, did not threaten, but committed himself to him who judges righteously;

In like manner, wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; so that, even if any do not obey the Word, they may be won by the behavior of their wives without a word;

Let your beauty be not just the outward adorning of braiding the hair, and of wearing jewels of gold, or of putting on fine clothing;

as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose children you now are, if you do well, and are not put in fear by any terror.

You husbands, in like manner, live with your wives according to knowledge, giving honor to the woman, as to the weaker vessel, as being also joint heirs of the grace of life; that your prayers may not be hindered.

not rendering evil for evil, or reviling for reviling; but instead blessing; because to this were you called, that you may inherit a blessing.

But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear, neither be troubled."

This is a symbol of baptism, which now saves you?not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

They think it is strange that you do not run with them into the same flood of debauchery, blaspheming:

Beloved, do not be astonished at the fiery trial which has come upon you, to test you, as though a strange thing happened to you.

But if one of you suffers for being a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God in this name.

For the time has come for judgment to begin with the household of God. If it begins first with us, what will happen to those who do not obey the Good News of God?

Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, exercising the oversight, not under compulsion, but voluntarily, as God wants; not for dishonest gain, but willingly;

When the chief Shepherd is revealed, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.