In which ye rejoice, tho' now for a little while, if need be, ye are grieved through various trials.

That the proof of your faith, which is much more precious than of gold, (that perisheth, though tried by fire) may be found unto praise, and honor, and glory, when Jesus Christ shall be revealed:

concerning which salvation the prophets, who prophesied of the grace to be conferred on you, enquired and diligently sought after it:

to whom it was revealed, that it was not to themselves, but to us they ministered these things, which are now declared unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you, through the holy Spirit sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.

being regenerated not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God which liveth and abideth for ever.

but the word of the Lord abideth for ever. And this is the word which is preached to you in the gospel.

and envies, and all evil-speakings, as new-born babes desire that rational milk which is without guile, that ye may grow thereby:

To you therefore who believe it is precious: but to them that are disobedient, the stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner,

and a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence. These stumble at the word through unbelief, unto which also they were appointed.

Dearly beloved, I exhort you as strangers and sojourners here, to abstain from carnal lusts, which war against the soul:

having a good conversation among the Gentiles; that whereas they speak against you as evil-doers, they may glorify God in the day of their visitation, on account of the good works which they behold in you.

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

by which also He went and preached to the spirits now in prison;

The resemblance of which, even baptism, doth also now save us, (not the outward cleansing of filth from the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience towards God) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

in which they think it strange that ye run not with them into the same excess of riot, and therefore speak evil of you:

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

Beloved, be not surprised at the fiery trial coming upon you, which is to try you, as if some strange thing befel you:

The elders that are among you I exhort, who am also an elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker of the glory which shall be revealed; feed the flock of God that is among you,