Rejoice over this, although just now perhaps distressed by various trials;

About this salvation the prophets who prophesied of the blessing that was destined for you made the most careful investigation,

who was predestined for this before the foundation of the world, but was revealed only at the end of the ages,

not returning evil for evil, or abuse for abuse. You must bless people instead. It is for this that you were called??o obtain blessing.

This is why the good news was preached to the dead also, that though they are judged in their physical nature as men are, they may yet live, like God, in the Spirit.

By Silvanus, our faithful brother, as I think him, I have written you this short letter to encourage you and bear my testimony that this is what the true mercy of God means. Stand fast in it.