Like obedient children, do not adapt yourselves to the cravings you used to follow when you were ignorant,

but like the holy Being who has called you, you must also prove holy in all your conduct,

for you know that you have not been ransomed with anything perishable like silver or gold, from the futile way of living in which you were brought up,

but with precious blood, like that of an unblemished, spotless lamb, the blood of Christ,

For "All flesh is like grass, And all its glory like the flower of the grass. The grass withers, And the flower fades,

and like new-born babes crave the pure spiritual milk that will make you grow up to salvation,

Live like free men, only do not make your freedom an excuse for doing wrong, but be slaves of God.

For you were astray like sheep, but now you have returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.

like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham, and called him Master. You are true daughters of hers, if you do right and are unafraid.

You have spent time enough in the past in doing as the heathen like to do, indulging in sensuality, passion, drunkenness, carousing, dissipation, and detestable idolatry.

This is why the good news was preached to the dead also, that though they are judged in their physical nature as men are, they may yet live, like God, in the Spirit.

Whatever the endowment God has given you, use it in service to one another, like good dispensers of God's varied mercy.

If one preaches, let him do it like one who utters the words of God; if one does some service, let him do it as with strength which God supplies, so that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Be calm and watchful. Your opponent the devil is prowling about like a roaring lion, wanting to devour you.

Your sister-church in Babylon, chosen like you, and Mark my son wish to be remembered to you.