to an incorruptible and undefiled inheritance that doesn't fade away, reserved in Heaven for you,

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

Wherein you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been put to grief in various trials,

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

searching for who or what kind of time the Spirit of Christ, which was in them, pointed to, when he predicted the sufferings of Christ, and the glories that would follow them.

Therefore, prepare your minds for action, be sober and set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ --

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

If you call on him as Father, who without respect of persons judges according to each man's work, pass the time of your living as foreigners here in reverent fear:

who was foreknown indeed before the foundation of the world, but was revealed at the end of times for your sake,

For, "All flesh is like grass, and all of man's glory like the flower in the grass. The grass withers, and its flower falls;

as newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the Word, that you may grow thereby,

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,"

and, "a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense." For they stumble at the word, being disobedient, to which also they were appointed.

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:

Therefore subject yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether to the king, as supreme;

or to governors, as sent by him for vengeance on evildoers and for praise to those who do well.

For this is the will of God, that by well-doing you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:

as free, and not using your freedom for a cloak of wickedness, but as bondservants of God.

Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.

Servants, be in subjection to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the wicked.

For it is commendable if someone endures pain, suffering unjustly, because of conscience toward God.

For what glory is it if, when you sin, you patiently endure beating? But if, when you do well, you patiently endure suffering, this is commendable with God.

For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving you an example, that you should follow his steps,

For you were going astray like sheep; but now have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

seeing your pure behavior in fear.

For this is how the holy women before, who hoped in God also adorned themselves, being in subjection to their own husbands:

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.

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

For, "He who would love life, and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit.

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."

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts; and always be ready to give an answer to everyone who asks you a reason concerning the hope that is in you, with humility and fear:

For it is better, if it is God's will, that you suffer for doing well than for doing evil.

Because Christ also suffered for sins once, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring you to God; being put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit;

Forasmuch then as Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind; for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin;

that you no longer should live the rest of your time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.

For we have spent enough of our past time doing the desire of the Gentiles, and having walked in lewdness, lusts, drunken binges, orgies, carousings, and abominable idolatries.

For to this end the Good News was preached even to the dead, that they might be judged indeed as men in the flesh, but live as to God in the spirit.

And above all things be earnest in your love among yourselves, for love covers a multitude of sins.

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.

For let none of you suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or an evil doer, or a meddler in other men's matters.

But if one of you suffers for being a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God in this matter.

For the time has come for judgment to begin with the household of God. If it begins first with us, what will happen to those who don't obey the Good News of God?

"If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will happen to the ungodly and the sinner?"

Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, exercising the oversight, not under compulsion, but voluntarily, not for dishonest gain, but willingly;

Likewise, you younger ones, be subject to the elder. Yes, all of you clothe yourselves with humility, to subject yourselves to one another; for "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble."

casting all your worries on him, because he cares for you.