knowing that you have been redeemed from your depraved character transmitted from your ancestors, not by corruptible things, silver or gold,

if you have tasted that the Lord is good.

For unto this you have been called: because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you may follow in his steps:

For you have wandered away like sheep; but you have now turned to the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

as Sarah submitted to Abraham, calling him Lord: whose children you have become, doing good, and not fearing any calamity.

not giving evil for evil, or railing for railing: but on the contrary blessing; because unto this you have been called, that you may inherit the blessing.

For the past time is sufficient to have wrought the will of the heathens, walking in impurities, in lusts, in wine-drinkings, in revelries, in intemperance, and in unlawful idolatries:

Through Silvanus, the faithful brother, as I consider, I have written unto you briefly, exhorting, and witnessing that this same grace of God is true in which you may stand.