in respect to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fades not away, reserved in heaven for us,

-whom, though you have not seen him, yet you love; on whom not now looking, but believing, you rejoice with joy unspeakable, and full of glory,

to whom it was revealed, that, not for themselves, but for us, they ministered the things that are now preached to you by those who have made known to you the gospel, through the Holy Spirit sent down from heaven; into which things angels desire to look.

as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the desires which you formerly had in your ignorance;

because you know that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver or gold, from your vain mode of life received by tradition from your fathers,

having been begotten again, not with corruptible seed, but with incorruptible, by the word of God, which lives and abides forever.

For it is contained in the scripture: Behold, I lay in Zion a chief corner-stone, chosen, precious; and he that believes on him shall not be ashamed.

who formerly were not a people, but now are the people of God; who had not received mercy, but now have received mercy.

as being free, and yet not using your freedom as a cloak for malice, but as servants of God.

Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the perverse.

When he was reviled, he did not revile again; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but committed himself to him that judges righteously.

Likewise, you wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they may, without the word, be won by the conduct of their wives,

Let not your adorning be that which is outward, which consists in plaiting the hair, and wearing gold, and putting on apparel:

Likewise, you husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, bestowing honor on the wife as the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, in order that your prayers may not be hindered.

not repaying evil for evil, nor reviling for reviling, but, on the other hand, blessing, since you know that for this end you were called, that you might inherit blessing.

But yet, if you even suffer for righteousness, happy are you. Yet fear not their terror, nor be troubled:

the likeness of which, even immersion, (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the seeking of a good conscience toward God,) does now also save us, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

They are amazed at this that you run not with them into the same excess of debauchery, and they revile you.

Beloved, be not amazed at the fiery trial that has come on you to try you, as if some strange thing had happened to you.

But if any one suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God on this account.

For the time has come that judgment must begin at the house of God; and if it begin first at us, what shall be the end of those who obey not the gospel of God?

Act as shepherds to the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight, not by compulsion, but willingly; not for the sake of sordid gain, but from readiness of mind:

And when the chief shepherd shall appear, you shall receive the crown of glory that fades not away.