to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, kept in heaven for you,

Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and rejoice with an inexpressible and glorious joy,

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.

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

You know that you were redeemed from the futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold,

For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.

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."

To you therefore who believe, this is precious, but for those who do not believe, "The very stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone,"

Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a covering for evil; live as servants of God.

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.

when he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he uttered no threats, but he trusted himself to him who judges justly.

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;

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.

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.

But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. Do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled,

who formerly did not obey, when the patience of God waited in the days of Noah, during the building of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were saved through water.

In all this, they are surprised that you do not run with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they abuse you;

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

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?

shepherd the flock of God that is under your care, serving as overseersnot under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness;

not as lording it over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.