you, also, as living stones, are built up a spiritual temple, a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices, most acceptable to God, through Jesus Christ.

a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense. Those who stumble at the word, are disobedient unbelievers, to which, therefore, they were appointed:

but you are an elect race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a purchased people; that you should declare the perfections of him who has called you from darkness into his marvelous light:

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

But what praise is due, if, when you commit faults and are buffeted, you bear it patiently? Yet if, when you do well, and suffer, you bear it patiently, this is acceptable with God.

who himself bore away our sins in his own body, on the tree; that we, being freed from sins, should live to righteousness; by whose stripes you are healed.

For you were as sheep going astray, but are now returned to the Shepherd, and Overseer of your souls.

even as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him Lord; whose daughters you are become, doing well, and not fearing any terror.

For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open to their supplication; but the face of the Lord is against the workers of iniquity."

Nevertheless, although you even suffer for righteousness' sake, you are happy. Therefore, do not fear their fear, neither be troubled:

If you be reproached for the name of Christ, you are happy; because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.

The seniors who are among you, I exhort, who am also a senior, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory which is to be revealed.

whom resist, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the very same sufferings are accomplished in your brethren, who are in the world.

Salute one another with a kiss of love. Peace to you all, who are in Christ Jesus.