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.

because you are attaining the goal of your faith -- the salvation of your souls.

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.

you yourselves, as living stones, are built up as a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood and to offer spiritual sacrifices that are acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

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.

You once were not a people, but now you are God's people. You were shown no mercy, but now you have received mercy.

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.

For what credit is it if you sin and are mistreated and endure it? But if you do good and suffer and so endure, this finds favor with God.

In the same way, wives, be subject to your own husbands. Then, even if some are disobedient to the word, they will be won over without a word by the way you live,

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 in fact, if you happen to suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. But do not be terrified of them or be shaken.

So they are astonished when you do not rush with them into the same flood of wickedness, and they vilify you.

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?

And if the righteous are barely saved, what will become of the ungodly and sinners?

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.

Resist him, strong in your faith, because you know that your brothers and sisters throughout the world are enduring the same kinds of suffering.

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