and, as living stones, form yourselves into a spiritual House, to be a consecrated Priesthood, for the offering of spiritual sacrifices that will be acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

For God's will is this--that you should silence the ignorance of foolish people by doing what is right.

Again, those of you who are married men should live considerately with their wives, showing due regard to their sex, as weaker than their own, and not forgetting that they share with you in the gift of Life. Then you will be able to pray without hindrance.

It is better that you should suffer, if that should be God's will, for doing right, than for doing wrong.

and so will live the rest of his earthly life guided, not by human passions, but by the will of God.

But they will have to answer for their conduct to him who is ready to judge both the living and the dead.

For the time has come for judgment to begin with the House of God; and, if it begins with us, what will be the end of those who reject God's Good News?

If 'a good man is saved only with difficulty, what will become of the godless and the sinful?'

I urge you to be true shepherds of the flock of God among you, not because you are compelled, but of your own free will; not from a base love of gain, but with a ready spirit;

Then, when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will win the crown of glory that never fades.

God, from whom all help comes, and who called you, by your union with Christ, into his eternal glory, will, when you have suffered for a little while, himself perfect, establish, strengthen you.