Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the chosen ones who are living as foreigners in the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,

who by the power of God are guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead, and gave him glory; so that your faith and hope might be in God.

You also, as living stones, are built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

For you who believe therefore is the honor, but for those who are disobedient, "The stone which the builders rejected, has become the chief cornerstone,"

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, that you may proclaim the excellence of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light:

who in time past were no people, but now are God's people, who had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose children you now are, if you do well, and are not put in fear by any terror.

For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears open to their prayer; but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."

But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are blessed. "Don't fear what they fear, neither be troubled."

having a good conscience; that, while you are spoken against as evildoers, they may be disappointed who curse your good way of life in Christ.

But because you are partakers of Christ's sufferings, rejoice; that at the revelation of his glory you also may rejoice with exceeding joy.

If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed; because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. On their part he is blasphemed, but on your part he is glorified.

Withstand him steadfast in your faith, knowing that your brothers who are in the world are undergoing the same sufferings.

Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace be to you all who are in Christ Jesus. Amen.