who are always guarded by the power of God through faith, in order that you may receive that final salvation which will be ready to be uncovered for you at the last time.

because you will receive the goal of your faith, the ultimate salvation of your souls.

and keep on building yourselves up, as living stones, into a spiritual house for a consecrated priesthood, to offer up, through Jesus Christ, spiritual sacrifices that will be acceptable to God.

It must be so, because the Scriptures say: "Here now I lay in Zion a chosen stone, a costly cornerstone, And not a single one who puts his trust in Him will ever be put to shame."

For it is God's will that by doing right you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people.

And who is it that will harm you if you are enthusiastic to do right?

For it is better, if the will of God should plan it so, to suffer for doing right than for doing wrong.

so that he no longer can spend the rest of his earthly life in harmony with human desires but in accordance with God's will.

but they will have to give account for it to Him who is ready to judge living and dead.

Because the time has come for judgment to begin at the household of God, and if it begins with us, what will the end be of those who are rejecting God's good news?

And if it is hard for the upright man to be saved, what will become of the godless and sinful?

Therefore, those who suffer in accordance with God's will must also, in doing right, entrust their souls to the Creator who is faithful.

be shepherds of the flock of God that is among you, not as though you had to but of your own free will, not from the motive of personal profit but freely,

and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the glorious crown that never fades.

And God, the giver of every spiritual blessing, who through your union with Christ has called you to His eternal glory, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself make you perfect, firm, and strong,