trying to learn for what possible time the spirit of Christ within them in predicting the sufferings destined for Christ intended them and the glories that were to follow them.

And if you address him as Father who judges everyone impartially by what he does, you must live reverently all the time you stay here,

For God approves a man if from a sense of duty he endures suffering unjustly inflicted??20 for what credit is there in your enduring being beaten for doing wrong? But if you endure suffering for doing what is right, you have God's approval.

And who is there that can hurt you if you are eager to do what is right?

and no longer lives by what men desire, but for the rest of his earthly life by what God wills.

For the time has come for the judgment to begin with the household of God, and if it begins with us, what will be the end of those who refuse God's good news?

If it is hard for the upright man to be saved, what will become of the godless and sinful?

Therefore, those who suffer by the will of God must intrust their souls to a Creator who is faithful, and continue to do what is right.

I appeal therefore to those who are elders among you; I am their brother-elder and a witness to what the Christ suffered, and I am to share in the glory that is to be revealed??2 be shepherds of the flock of God that is among you, not as though it were forced upon you but of your own free will, and not from base love of gain but freely,

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.