To whom it was revealed, that not for themselves, but for us were their ministrations employed in the things which are now declared unto you by those who have preached the gospel unto you by the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; on which things the angels bending forwards eagerly desire to gaze.

but as he who hath called you is holy, be ye holy also in all your conduct:

but by the precious blood of Christ, as the unblemished and spotless lamb:

who was indeed predestined before the foundation of the world, but manifested in these last times for us,

born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the quickening word of God, and which abideth for ever.

but the word of the Lord abideth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.

Whom approaching, as the living stone, rejected indeed of men, but elect of God, and honourable,

By you therefore who believe is he honoured: but respecting the disobedient, "the stone which the builders rejected, this very stone is become the head of the corner,

But ye are an elect race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people acquired by purchase; that ye should publish abroad the excellencies of him, who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

who in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God; who had not obtained mercy, but are now the objects of mercy.

or to governors, as sent by him for the punishment of wicked doers, but the praise of those who do well.

as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for wicked practices; but as being servants of God.

Servants, be in subjection to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but even to the froward.

For what glory would there be, if committing faults, and being buffeted, ye suffered patiently? but if, when ye behave well, yet suffer, ye bear it patiently, this is graciously accepted of God.

who, when reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he used no menaces; but referred himself to him who judgeth righteously:

For ye were as sheep wandering astray; but are now returned unto the pastor and bishop of your souls.

Whose adorning let it not be that exterior one of braided locks, and golden trimmings, and dresses put on with nicety;

but let it be the hidden man of the heart, with that incorruptible ornament of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God highly valuable.

not returning evil for evil, or railing for railing; but, contrariwise, wishing men every blessing; knowing that hereunto ye have been called, that ye should inherit the [divine] benediction.

For the eyes of the Lord are upon the just, and his ears open to their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against those who practise wicked things.

But if ye should even suffer for righteousness, blessed are ye: be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled,

but sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be always ready with your reply to every man who demands a reason respecting the hope which is in you with meekness and fear:

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, put to death indeed in the flesh, but raised to life by the Spirit:

The antitype to which baptism now saveth us (not the mere removal of filth from the flesh, but the engagement of a good conscience to God), by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

who is at the right hand of God, gone into heaven, angels and dominations and powers being put in subjection under him.

that he might not spend the remaining space of life in the flesh after human passions, but the divine will.

For to this end was the gospel preached to those that are dead, that they might be judged indeed in the flesh according to the will of men, but live in spirit according to the will of God.

But the end of all things is near: be ye therefore sober-minded, and vigilant in prayers.

But above all things have fervent love towards each other: for love will conceal a multitude of faults.

but as ye share in the sufferings of Christ rejoice, that at the revelation of his glory also ye may hail him with exultations.

If ye suffer reproach for the name of Christ, blessed are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: by them indeed he is blasphemed, but by you he is glorified.

But if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him give glory to God on this very account.

feed the flock of God which is among you, exercising your pastoral office not of necessity, but of choice, not for base gain, but with alacrity of mind;

not as domineering over your allotted congregations, but as being examples of the flock.

In like manner, ye who are younger persons, be in subjection to your elders: but all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed from head to foot with humility: for God sets himself in opposition to the proud, but he giveth grace to the lowly.

But the God of all grace, who hath called us to his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, when ye have suffered a little while, himself perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.