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

In which ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season (if need be) ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:

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

To whom it was revealed, that not to themselves, but to us they ministered the things which are now reported to you by them that have preached the gospel to 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:

Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain course of life received by tradition from your fathers;

Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner-stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth 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 cloke 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 froward.

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

Likewise, ye 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 deportment of the wives;

Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing gold, or of putting on 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 Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.

Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honor to the wife, as to 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 ye are called to this, that ye should inherit a blessing.

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

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

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

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

Yet if any man suffereth 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 beginneth at us, what will be the end of them that obey not the gospel of God?

Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight of it, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but from a ready mind;

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