but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish, and without spot;

predetermined, indeed, before the foundation of the world, but manifested in these last times for you;

having been regenerated, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, through the word of the living God, which remains.

"For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower of it falls down; but the word of the Lord remains forever."

to whom coming, as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God, and precious;

To you, then, who trust, it is precious; but to unbelieving- a stone which the builders rejected, which has become the head of the corner-

but you are an elect race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a purchased people; that you should declare the perfections of him who has called you from darkness into his marvelous light:

who formerly were not a people, but now are a people of God; who had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

or to governor, as those sent by him for the punishment, indeed, of evil doers; but for the praise of them who do good.

For so is the will of God, that, by doing good, you put to silence the ignorance of foolish men.

Live as freemen, yet do not use your freedom as a covering of wickedness; but as the servants of God.

Let household servants be subject to their masters, with all reverence; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.

But what praise is due, if, when you commit faults and are buffeted, you bear it patiently? Yet if, when you do well, and suffer, you bear it patiently, this is acceptable with God.

who, when he was reviled, did not revile in return; when he suffered he did not threaten, but committed his cause to him who judges righteously-

For you were as sheep going astray, but are now returned to the Shepherd, and Overseer of your souls.

but-the hidden man of the heart, with the incorruptible ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which, in the sight of God, is of great value.

not returning evil for evil, or railing for railing; but, on the contrary, bless: knowing that to this you were called, that you might inherit the blessing.

For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open to their supplication; but the face of the Lord is against the workers of iniquity."

but sanctify the Lord God in your hearts; and be always prepared for giving an answer, with meekness and reverence, to every one who asks of you a reason for the hope which is in you.

Hold fast a good conscience, that, whereas they speak against you as evil doers, they may be put to shame who arraign your good behavior in Christ.

For even Christ once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God; being put to death, indeed, in the flesh, but made alive by the Spirit.

the antitype, immersion, does, also, now save us, (not putting away the filth of the flesh; but seeking of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ;

so that he no longer lives his remaining time in the flesh, to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.

For, to this end of the gospel was preached to the dead, that they might, indeed, be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.

but, seeing you partake of the sufferings of Christ, rejoice: that, also, at the revelation of his glory you may rejoice, with exceeding great joy.

By them, indeed, he is evil spoken of, but by you he is glorified. Wherefore, let none of you suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or a malefactor, or as a meddling person.

However, if any one suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him even glorify God on that account.

Feed the flock of God, which is with you; exercising the overseer's office, not by constraint, but willingly; neither for the sake of sordid gain, but from good disposition;

neither as lording it over the heritage of God, but, being patterns to the flock:

For the like reason, you younger persons subject yourselves to the seniors. Yes, all be subject to one another, and be clothed with humility, for God resists the proud but gives favor to the humble.