and you by God's power are being protected through faith to receive a salvation that is now ready to be disclosed at the last time.

Rejoice over this, although just now perhaps distressed by various trials;

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!

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,

Now that by obeying the truth you have purified your souls for sincere love of the brotherhood, you must love one another intensely and heartily,

and like new-born babes crave the pure spiritual milk that will make you grow up to salvation,

For it says in Scripture, "Here I lay a choice stone in Zion, a costly cornerstone; No one who believes in it will ever be disappointed!"

you who were once "no people" but are now "God's people"; once "unpitied" but now "pitied indeed."

He committed no sin, and deceit was never on his lips.

For you were astray like sheep, but now you have returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.

who had once been disobedient, when in Noah's time God in his patience waited for the ark to be made ready, in which a few people, eight in all, were brought safely through the water.

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,

and no longer lives by what men desire, but for the rest of his earthly life by what God wills.

They are amazed that you no longer join them in plunging into the flood of dissipation, and they abuse you for it;

For no one of you must suffer as a murderer or thief or criminal or revolutionist,

Resist him and be strong in the faith, for you know that your brotherhood all over the world is having the same experience of suffering.