whom, having not seen, ye love; on whom though not now looking, but believing, ye exult with joy unspeakable and filled with the glory,

To whom it was revealed, that not to themselves but to you they ministered those things, which have now been announced to you by those who have declared to you the glad tidings by the Holy Spirit, sent from heaven, which angels desire to look into.

as children of obedience, not conformed to your former lusts in your ignorance;

knowing that ye have been redeemed, not by corruptible things, as silver or gold, from your vain conversation handed down from your fathers,

being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the living and abiding word of God.

Because it is contained in the scripture: Behold, I lay in Zion a corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believes on him shall not be put to shame.

who once were not a people, but now God's people; who were not enjoying mercy, but now have found mercy.

as free, and not as having liberty as a cloak of malice, but as God's bondmen.

Servants, be subject with all fear to your masters, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the ill-tempered.

who, when reviled, reviled not again; when suffering, threatened not; but gave himself over into the hands of him who judges righteously;

whose adorning let it not be that outward one of tressing of hair, and wearing gold, or putting on apparel;

as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord; whose children ye have become, doing good, and not fearing with any kind of consternation.

Ye husbands likewise, dwell with them according to knowledge, as with a weaker, even the female, vessel, giving them honour, as also fellow-heirs of the grace of life, that your prayers be not hindered.

not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing; but on the contrary, blessing others, because ye have been called to this, that ye should inherit blessing.

But if also ye should suffer for righteousness' sake, blessed are ye; but be not afraid of their fear, neither be troubled;

which figure also now saves you, even baptism, not a putting away of the filth of flesh, but the demand as before God of a good conscience, by the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same sink of corruption, speaking injuriously of you;

Beloved, take not as strange the fire of persecution which has taken place amongst you for your trial, as if a strange thing was happening to you;

but if as a christian, let him not be ashamed, but glorify God in this name.

For the time of having the judgment begin from the house of God is come; but if first from us, what shall be the end of those who obey not the glad tidings of God?

shepherd the flock of God which is among you, exercising oversight, not by necessity, but willingly; not for base gain, but readily;

not as lording it over your possessions, but being models for the flock.