To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fades not away, reserved in heaven for you,

In which you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you are in heaviness through manifold trials:

Whom having not seen, you love; in whom, though now you see him not, yet believing, you rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:

Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Spirit sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.

As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:

Since you know that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain manner of life received by tradition from your fathers;

Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which lives and abides forever.

Therefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Zion a chief cornerstone, elect, precious: and he that believes on him shall not be confounded.

Who in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: who had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

As free, and not using your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.

Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh.

Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judges righteously:

Likewise, you wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conduct of the wives;

Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of braiding the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;

But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters you are, as long as you do well, and are not afraid with any terror.

Likewise, you husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honor unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together 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; knowing that you are unto this called, that you should inherit a blessing.

But if you suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are you: and, Be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;

The like figure unto which even baptism does also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

In which they think it strange that you run not with them to the same excess of dissipation, speaking evil of you:

Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to test you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:

Yet if any man suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.

For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begins with us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?

Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for dishonest gain, but of a ready mind;

And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, you shall receive a crown of glory that fades not away.