whom, [although you] have not seen, you love; in whom now you believe, [although you] do not see [him], and you rejoice greatly with joy inexpressible and full of glory,

to whom it was revealed that they were serving not themselves but you with reference to the same [things] which now have been announced to you through those who proclaimed the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, {things into which} angels desire to look.

As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former desires [you used to conform to] in your ignorance,

[because you] know that you were redeemed from your futile way of life inherited from your ancestors not with perishable things like silver or gold,

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

who once [were] not a people, but now [are] the people of God, the ones [who were] not shown mercy, but now are shown mercy.

[Live] as free [persons], and not using your freedom as a covering for evil, but as slaves of God.

Domestic slaves, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to those [who are] good and gentle, but also to those [who are] unjust.

who did not commit sin, nor was deceit found in his mouth,

who [when he] was reviled, did not revile in return; [when] suffering, he did not threaten, but entrusted [himself] to the one who judges justly,

Let your adornment not be the external [kind], braiding hair and putting on gold jewelry or putting on [fine] clothing,

like Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose children you have become [when you] do good and are not frightened with respect to any terror.

Husbands, in the same way live with [your wives] {knowledgeably}, as with the weaker female vessel, showing [them] honor as fellow heirs also of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered.

not repaying evil for evil or insult for insult, but on the other hand blessing [others], because for this [reason] you were called, so that you could inherit a blessing.

For "The one who wants to love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and [his] lips must not speak deceit.

But even if you might suffer for the sake of righteousness, [you are] blessed. And do not be afraid of their intimidation or be disturbed,

And also, corresponding to [this], baptism now saves you, not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

with respect to which they are surprised [when] you do not run with [them] into the same flood of dissipation, [and so they] revile [you].

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, [when it] takes place to test you, as [if] [something] strange were happening to you.

By all means do not let anyone of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler.

But if [someone suffers] as a Christian, he must not be ashamed, but must glorify God with this name.

shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not by compulsion but willingly, in accordance with God, and not greedily but eagerly,

and not as lording it over {those under your care}, but being examples for the flock.