who are kept by the power of God through faith to salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

But you are an elect race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people, that you should declare the virtues of him who called you out of darkness into his glorious light;

who formerly were not a people, but now are a people of God, who had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

For what glory is it if when you sin and are punished you bear it patiently? But if you do well and suffer and bear it patiently, [this deserves thanks], for it is acceptable to God.

For you were like lost sheep, but are now returned to the shepherd and bishop of your souls.

but let the hidden man of the heart be adorned with the imperishable [ornaments] of a meek and quiet spirit, which are of great price before God.

as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him Lord, whose children you are, doing good and having no fear.

not returning evil for evil or railing for railing, but on the contrary blessing [your enemies], because to this you are called, that you may inherit blessing.

for the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears attend to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.

And who is he that will injure you if you are followers of what is good?

But even if you suffer on account of righteousness, you are blessed. But fear not with their fear, neither be troubled;

If you are reproached for the name of Christ, happy are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.

whom resist, firm in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are accomplished by your brothers in the world.