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.

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have to suffer various trials,

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.

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

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.

Maintain good conduct among the Gentiles, so that in case they speak against you as wrongdoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.

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,

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.

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

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.

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

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.

She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and so does my son Mark.