that the proof of your faith, much more precious than gold which perisheth, but is tried with fire, may be found unto praise and glory and honor at the manifestation of Jesus Christ;

Concerning which salvation the prophets sought earnestly and searched earnestly, who prophesied of the grace that was to come to you;

searching what or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them signified, when it testified beforehand the sufferings to come upon Christ, and the glories that were to follow;

to whom it was revealed, that not to themselves, but to you, they were ministering the things, which have now been announced to you by them that have brought the glad tidings to you by the Holy Spirit sent down from heaven; which things angels desire to look into.

being born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the word of God, which liveth and abideth.

but the word of the Lord abideth for ever;" and this is the word which was preached to you.

To you therefore who believe, is the honor; but to the disobedient, "the stone which the builders rejected, the same hath become the cornerstone,"

and "a stone of stumbling, and a rock to strike against;" even to those who stumble, being disobedient to the word; to which they were also appointed.

Beloved, I exhort you, as sojourners and strangers, to abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;

having your manner of life among the gentiles honorable; that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

but the hidden man of the heart, in that which is imperishable, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

And who is he that shall harm you, if ye are followers of that which is good?

in which also he went and preached to the spirits in prison,

which in its antitype, baptism, is now saving you,not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the earnest seeking for a good conscience toward God,by the resurrection of Jesus Christ;

at which they are astonished that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you;

If any one speak, let him speak as uttering the oracles of God; if any minister, let him do it as from the ability which God giveth; that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory and the dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Beloved, be not surprised at the fiery trial which is taking place among you to prove you, as though a strange thing were befalling you;

tend the flock of God which is among you, overseeing it, not by constraint, but willingly; not for base gain, but with ready mind;