From Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to those temporarily residing abroad (in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, the province of Asia, and Bithynia) who are chosen

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

Concerning this salvation, the prophets who predicted the grace that would come to you searched and investigated carefully.

They were shown that they were serving not themselves but you, in regard to the things now announced to you through those who proclaimed the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven -- things angels long to catch a glimpse of.

but, like the Holy One who called you, become holy yourselves in all of your conduct,

And if you address as Father the one who impartially judges according to each one's work, live out the time of your temporary residence here in reverence.

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

So you who believe see his value, but for those who do not believe, the stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of his own, so that you may proclaim the virtues of the one who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

or to governors as those he commissions to punish wrongdoers and praise those who do good.

Slaves, be subject to your masters with all reverence, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are perverse.

When he was maligned, he did not answer back; when he suffered, he threatened no retaliation, but committed himself to God who judges justly.

For in the same way the holy women who hoped in God long ago adorned themselves by being subject to their husbands,

like Sarah who obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. You become her children when you do what is good and have no fear in doing so.

For the one who wants to love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from uttering deceit.

For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous and his ears are open to their prayer. But the Lord's face is against those who do evil.

For who is going to harm you if you are devoted to what is good?

But set Christ apart as Lord in your hearts and always be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks about the hope you possess.

Yet do it with courtesy and respect, keeping a good conscience, so that those who slander your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame when they accuse you.

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

So, since Christ suffered in the flesh, you also arm yourselves with the same attitude, because the one who has suffered in the flesh has finished with sin,

They will face a reckoning before Jesus Christ who stands ready to judge the living and the dead.

Now it was for this very purpose that the gospel was preached to those who are now dead, so that though they were judged in the flesh by human standards they may live spiritually by God's standards.

If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory, who is the Spirit of God, rests on you.

For it is time for judgment to begin, starting with the house of God. And if it starts with us, what will be the fate of those who are disobedient to the gospel of God?

So then let those who suffer according to the will of God entrust their souls to a faithful Creator as they do good.

So as your fellow elder and a witness of Christ's sufferings and as one who shares in the glory that will be revealed, I urge the elders among you:

In the same way, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.

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

Through Silvanus, whom I know to be a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, in order to encourage you and testify that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it.

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