searching what or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them signified, when it testified beforehand the sufferings to come upon Christ, and the glories that were to follow;

to whom it was revealed, that not to themselves, but to you, they were ministering the things, which have now been announced to you by them that have brought the glad tidings to you by the Holy Spirit sent down from heaven; which things angels desire to look into.

knowing that not with perishable things, silver or gold, were ye redeemed from your vain manner of life received by tradition from your fathers,

and "a stone of stumbling, and a rock to strike against;" even to those who stumble, being disobedient to the word; to which they were also appointed.

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

For to this ye were called; because even Christ suffered for us, leaving you an example, that ye should follow his steps;

who himself bore our sins in his own body on the cross, that we, having died to our sins, should live to righteousness; by whose stripes ye were healed.

For ye were going astray like sheep; but ye have now returned to the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing; but, on the contrary, blessing the evildoer; because for this end ye were called, that ye might inherit blessing.

who were disobedient in times past, when the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was preparing, wherein a few, that is, eight souls, were saved by water;

Beloved, be not surprised at the fiery trial which is taking place among you to prove you, as though a strange thing were befalling you;