This is why it says in Scripture: "Look! I am laying a chosen, precious cornerstone in Zion. The one who believes in him will never be ashamed."

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

Who will harm you if you are devoted to doing what is good?

But do this gently and respectfully, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak evil of your good conduct in the Messiah will be ashamed of slandering you.

After all, if it is the will of God, it is better to suffer for doing right than for doing wrong.

so that he can live the rest of his mortal life guided, not by human desires, but by the will of God.

For you spent enough time in the past doing what the gentiles like to do, living in sensuality, sinful desires, drunkenness, wild celebrations, drinking parties, and detestable idolatry.

They insult you now because they are surprised that you are no longer joining them in the same excesses of wild living.

They will give an account to the one who is ready to judge the living and the dead.

Because everything will soon come to an end, be sensible and clear-headed, so you can pray.

For the time has come for judgment to begin with the household of God. And if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who refuse to obey the gospel of God?

"If it is hard for the righteous person to be saved, what will happen to the ungodly and sinful person?"

So then, those who suffer according to God's will should entrust their souls to their faithful Creator and continue to do what is good.

Then, when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the victor's crown of glory that will never fade away.

After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you by the Messiah Jesus to his eternal glory, will restore you, establish you, strengthen you, and support you.