in which you rejoice greatly, [although] now for a short time, if necessary, you are distressed by various trials,

whom, [although you] have not seen, you love; in whom now you believe, [although you] do not see [him], and you rejoice greatly with joy inexpressible and full of glory,

to whom it was revealed that they were serving not themselves but you with reference to the same [things] which now have been announced to you through those who proclaimed the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, {things into which} angels desire to look.

[because you] know that you were redeemed from your futile way of life inherited from your ancestors not with perishable things like silver or gold,

who once [were] not a people, but now [are] the people of God, the ones [who were] not shown mercy, but now are shown mercy.

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

who were formerly disobedient, when the patience of God waited in the days of Noah, [while] an ark was being constructed, in which a few--that is, eight souls--were rescued through water.

And also, corresponding to [this], baptism now saves you, not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

in order to live the remaining time in the flesh no longer for human desires, but for the will of God.

Now the end of all [things] draws near. Therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for [your] prayers.

{Resist him}, steadfast in your faith, [because you] know the same [kinds] of sufferings are being accomplished by your community of believers in the world.