who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling with his blood: may grace and peace be yours in abundance.

Blessed be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has caused us to be born again into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

who are protected by God's power through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

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.

Therefore, prepare your minds for action, be sober in spirit, set your hope fully on the grace to be given you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance,

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

because it is written, "You shall be holy, for I am holy."

Since you have purified your souls by obedience to the truth for a sincere love of the brethren, love one another earnestly from the heart.

Like newborn babes, long for the pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,

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

you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

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."

or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right.

For it is God's will that by doing right you should silence the ignorance of foolish men.

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.

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sin and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.

You wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without a word by the behavior of their wives,

Your adornment must not be merely outwardbraiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on fine clothing;

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.

just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children if you do what is right and are not frightened by any fear.

Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with honor as the weaker partner, since you are joint heirs of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered.

Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble in spirit.

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 it is better to suffer for doing right, if that should be God's will, than for doing wrong.

The end of all things is near; therefore be clear minded and sober for your prayers.

Whoever speaks is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belongs the glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal which comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.

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

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

For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?

And "if it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the godless man and the sinner?"

So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ and a partaker in the glory that is to be revealed,

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."

Be sober, be alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

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

To him be the dominion for ever and ever. Amen.