It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, in these things which now have been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaventhings into which angels long to look.

but as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in all your conduct;

but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.

He was destined before the foundation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake.

For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.

but the word of the Lord stands forever." And this is the word which was preached to you.

Therefore, put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander.

As you come to him, the living Stone rejected by men but chosen and precious in the sight of God

For it stands in scripture: "Behold, I lay in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and he who believes in him will not be put to shame."

To you therefore who believe, this is precious, but for those who do not believe, "The very 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 declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a covering for evil; live as servants of God.

Servants, be submissive to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are overbearing.

For what credit is it, if when you do wrong and are beaten for it you patiently endure? But if when you do right and suffer for it you patiently endure, you have favor with God.

when he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he uttered no threats, but he trusted himself to him who judges justly.

For you were straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.

but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in God's sight.

Do not return evil for evil or insult for insult, but give a blessing instead; for to this you were called, that you may inherit a blessing.

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

But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. Do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled,

but in your hearts reverence Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and respect;

and keep a clear conscience, so that, when you are abused, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.

For Christ also died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit;

And corresponding to that, baptism now saves younot the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good consciencethrough the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human lusts, but for the will of God.

but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.

But rejoice that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may also be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.

But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or a wrongdoer, or a troublesome meddler;

yet if one suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but under that name let him glorify God.

shepherd the flock of God that is under your care, serving as overseersnot under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness;

not as lording it over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.

Likewise you that are younger men be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble."

But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren throughout the world.