You must love him, though you have not seen him, but since you believe in him though you do not now see him, rejoice with triumphant, unutterable joy

It was disclosed to them that they were serving not themselves but you in dealing with these things, which have now been told you by those who through the holy Spirit sent from heaven brought you the good news; things into which angels long to look!

Like obedient children, do not adapt yourselves to the cravings you used to follow when you were ignorant,

for you know that you have not been ransomed with anything perishable like silver or gold, from the futile way of living in which you were brought up,

for you have been born anew from a germ not perishable, but imperishable, through the message of the living, everlasting God.

It is you, therefore, who believe who see its value, but for men who do not believe, "The stone which the builders refused has been made a cornerstone,"

and "A stone to stumble over, and a rock to trip them up." They stumble over the message because they will not obey it; that is their destiny.

Dear friends, I beg you, as aliens and exiles here, not to indulge the physical cravings that are at war with the soul.

Live like free men, only do not make your freedom an excuse for doing wrong, but be slaves of God.

You servants must be submissive to your masters and perfectly respectful to them; not only to those who are kind and considerate, but also to those who are unreasonable.

He was abused but he did not retort. He suffered but he did not threaten, but committed his case to him who judges justly.

You must not adopt the external attractions of arranging the hair and wearing jewelry and dress;

not returning evil for evil, or abuse for abuse. You must bless people instead. It is for this that you were called??o obtain blessing.

Even if you should suffer for uprightness, you are blessed. But do not be afraid of them, nor be troubled,

Baptism, which corresponds to it, now saves you also (not as the mere removing of physical stain, but as the craving for a conscience right with God)??hrough the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

Dear friends, do not be surprised that a test of fire is being applied to you, as though a strange thing were happening to you,

but if a man suffers for being a Christian, he must not be ashamed of it, but must do honor to God through that name.

I appeal therefore to those who are elders among you; I am their brother-elder and a witness to what the Christ suffered, and I am to share in the glory that is to be revealed??2 be shepherds of the flock of God that is among you, not as though it were forced upon you but of your own free will, and not from base love of gain but freely,

and not as tyrannizing over those in your charge but proving models for the flock;