knowing, as you do, that it was not with a ransom of perishable wealth, such as silver or gold, that you were set free from your frivolous habits of life which had been handed down to you from your forefathers,

He was pre-destined indeed to this work, even before the creation of the world, but has been plainly manifested in these last days for the sake of you who, through Him,

Dear friends, I entreat you as pilgrims and foreigners not to indulge the cravings of your lower natures: for all such cravings wage war upon the soul.

Submit, for the Lord's sake, to every authority set up by man, whether it be to the Emperor as supreme ruler,

But even if you suffer for righteousness' sake, you are to be envied. So do not be alarmed by their threats, nor troubled;

For it is better that you should suffer for doing right, if such be God's will, than for doing evil;

I send this short letter by Silas, our faithful brother--for such I regard him--in order to encourage you, and to bear witness that what I have told you is the true grace of God. In it stand fast.