For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass; the grass withers, and its flower fails away: but the word of the Lord abides forever: and this is the word which has been preached as gospel to you.

To you, then, who believe, is this preciousness: but the stone which the builders rejected, has become the head of the corner,

For this is praiseworthy, if any one, on account of conscience to ward God, endure sorrows, suffering unjustly.

For what praise is due, if, when you are punished for your faults, you endure it patiently? But if, when you do well, and suffer for it, you endure it patiently, this is praiseworthy in the- sight of God.

To this, indeed, you have been called; because even Christ suffered for us, leaving you an example, that you should follow his footsteps.

not repaying evil for evil, nor reviling for reviling, but, on the other hand, blessing, since you know that for this end you were called, that you might inherit blessing.

They are amazed at this that you run not with them into the same excess of debauchery, and they revile you.

For this cause, indeed, even those who have died had the gospel preached to them, that though they might be judged according to the will of men in the flesh, yet they might live according to the will of God in the spirit.

If any man speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God: if any man acts as a deacon, let him do this as from the strength which God supplies; that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory and strength from age to age. Amen.

But if any one suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God on this account.

By Sylvanus, a faithful brother to you, as I suppose, I have written briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God in which you stand.