to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,

so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, in these things which now have been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things into which angels long to look.

As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance,

for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God.

But the word of the Lord endures forever.”
And this is the word which was preached to you.

And coming to Him as to a living stone which has been rejected by men, but is choice and precious in the sight of God,

This precious value, then, is for you who believe; but for those who disbelieve,
“The stone which the builders rejected,
This became the very corner stone,”

Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul.

Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation.

but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God.

and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame.

in which also He went and made proclamation to the spirits now in prison,

who once were disobedient, when the patience of God kept waiting in the days of Noah, during the construction of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through the water.

Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you;