who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling with his blood: may grace and peace be yours in abundance.

who are protected by God's power through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

As to this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that would come to you inquired and searched carefully,

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 heaventhings into which angels long to look.

but as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in all your conduct;

If you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each one's work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your exile on earth.

Through him you have confidence in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.

For it stands in scripture: "Behold, I lay in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and he who believes in him will not be put to shame."

To you therefore who believe, this is precious, but for those who do not believe, "The very stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone,"

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right.

Servants, be submissive to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are overbearing.

when he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he uttered no threats, but he trusted himself to him who judges justly.

For in this way in former times the holy women also, who hoped in God, used to adorn themselves, and were submissive to their own husbands;

For, "He who would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit.

For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are open to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."

Who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good?

but in your hearts reverence Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and respect;

and keep a clear conscience, so that, when you are abused, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.

who formerly did not obey, when the patience of God waited in the days of Noah, during the building of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were saved through water.

who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels and authorities and powers subject to him.

Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,

but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.

For this reason the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though they are judged in the flesh as men, they might live in the spirit according to the will of God.

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 him belongs the glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?

Therefore, let those who suffer according to God's will do right and entrust their souls to a faithful Creator.

And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, establish, and strengthen you.

She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and so does my son Mark.

Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.