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1 Peter 1-5
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
1 Peter 1-5
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
Salutation
1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,
To the exiles of the dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2 who have been chosen and destined by God the Father and sanctified by the Spirit to be obedient to Jesus Christ and to be sprinkled with his blood:
May grace and peace be yours in abundance.(A)
A Living Hope
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead(B) 4 and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who are being protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.(C) 6 In this you rejoice,[a] even if now for a little while you have had to suffer various trials,(D) 7 so that the genuineness of your faith—being more precious than gold that, though perishable, is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.(E) 8 Although you have not seen[b] him, you love him, and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy,(F) 9 for you are receiving the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.[c]
10 Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace intended for you made careful search and inquiry,(G) 11 inquiring about the time and circumstances[d] that the Spirit of Christ within them indicated when it testified in advance to the sufferings intended for Christ and the subsequent glory.(H) 12 It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in regard to the things that have now been announced to you through those who brought you good news by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look!(I)
A Call to Holy Living
13 Therefore prepare your minds for action;[e] discipline yourselves; set all your hope on the grace that Jesus Christ will bring you when he is revealed.(J) 14 Like obedient children, do not be conformed to the desires that you formerly had in ignorance. 15 Instead, as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in all your conduct,(K) 16 for it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”(L)
17 If you invoke as Father the one who judges impartially according to each person’s work, live in fear during the time of your exile.(M) 18 You know that you were ransomed from the futile conduct inherited from your ancestors, not with perishable things like silver or gold 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without defect or blemish.(N) 20 He was destined before the foundation of the world but was revealed at the end of the ages for your sake.(O) 21 Through him you have come to trust in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your trust and hope are in God.
22 Now that you have purified your souls[f] by your obedience to the truth[g] so that you have genuine mutual affection, love one another deeply from the heart.[h](P) 23 You have been born anew, not of perishable but of imperishable seed, through the living and enduring word of God.[i](Q) 24 For
“All flesh is like grass
and all its glory like the flower of grass.
The grass withers,
and the flower falls,(R)
25 but the word of the Lord endures forever.”
That word is the good news that was announced to you.(S)
The Living Stone and a Chosen People
2 Rid yourselves, therefore, of all malice and all guile, insincerity, envy, and all slander.(T) 2 Like newborn infants, long for the pure, spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow into salvation(U)— 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.[j](V)
4 Come to him, a living stone, though rejected by mortals yet chosen and precious in God’s sight, and 5 like living stones let yourselves be built[k] into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.(W) 6 For it stands in scripture:
“See, I am laying in Zion a stone,
a cornerstone chosen and precious,
and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”(X)
7 This honor, then, is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe,[l]
“The stone that the builders rejected
has become the very head of the corner,”(Y)
8 and
“A stone that makes them stumble
and a rock that makes them fall.”
They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do.(Z)
9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people,[m] in order that you may proclaim the excellence of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.(AA)
10 Once you were not a people,
but now you are God’s people;
once you had not received mercy,
but now you have received mercy.(AB)
Live as Servants of God
11 Beloved, I urge you as aliens and exiles to abstain from the desires of the flesh that wage war against the soul.[n](AC) 12 Conduct yourselves honorably among the gentiles, so that, though they malign you as evildoers, they may see your honorable deeds and glorify God when he comes to judge.[o](AD)
13 For the Lord’s sake be subject to every human authority,[p] whether to the emperor as supreme(AE) 14 or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right. 15 For it is God’s will that by doing right you should silence the ignorance of the foolish. 16 As servants of God, live as free people, yet do not use your freedom as a pretext for evil.(AF) 17 Honor everyone. Love the family of believers.[q] Fear God. Honor the emperor.(AG)
The Example of Christ’s Suffering
18 Slaves, be subject to your masters with all respect,[r] not only those who are good and gentle but also those who are dishonest. 19 For it is a commendable thing if, being aware of God, a person endures pain while suffering unjustly. 20 If you endure when you are beaten for doing wrong, what credit is that? But if you endure when you do good and suffer for it, this is a commendable thing before God.(AH) 21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follow in his steps.(AI)
22 “He committed no sin,
and no deceit was found in his mouth.”
23 When he was abused, he did not return abuse; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but he entrusted himself to the one who judges justly.(AJ) 24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross,[s] so that, having died to sins, we might live for righteousness; by his wounds[t] you have been healed.(AK) 25 For you were going astray like sheep, but now you have returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.[u](AL)
Wives and Husbands
3 Wives, in the same way, be subject to your husbands, so that, even if some of them do not obey the word, they may be won over without a word by their wives’ conduct,(AM) 2 when they see the purity and respect of your conduct. 3 Do not adorn yourselves outwardly by braiding your hair and by wearing gold ornaments or fine clothing;(AN) 4 rather, let your adornment be the inner self with the lasting beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in God’s sight.(AO) 5 It was in this way long ago that the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves by being subject to their husbands. 6 Thus Sarah obeyed Abraham and called him lord. You have become her daughters as long as you do what is good and never let fears alarm you.(AP)
7 Husbands, in the same way, show consideration for your wives in your life together, paying honor to the woman—though the weaker vessel,[v] they are joint heirs of the gracious gift of life—so that nothing may hinder your prayers.(AQ)
Suffering for Doing Right
8 Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart, and a humble mind.(AR) 9 Do not repay evil for evil or abuse for abuse, but, on the contrary, repay with a blessing. It is for this that you were called—that you might inherit a blessing.(AS) 10 For
“Those who desire to love life
and to see good days,
let them keep their tongues from evil
and their lips from speaking deceit;
11 let them turn away from evil and do good;
let them seek peace and pursue it.
12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
and his ears are open to their prayer.
But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”
13 Now who will harm you if you are eager to do what is good? 14 But even if you do suffer for doing what is right,[w] you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear,[x] and do not be intimidated,(AT) 15 but in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you,(AU) 16 yet do it with gentleness and respect. Maintain a good conscience so that, when you are maligned,[y] those who abuse you for your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame.(AV) 17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if suffering should be God’s will, than to suffer for doing evil. 18 For Christ also suffered[z] for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, in order to bring you[aa] to God. He was put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit,(AW) 19 in which also he went and made a proclamation to the spirits in prison, 20 who in former times did not obey, when God waited patiently in the days of Noah, during the building of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight lives, were saved through water.(AX) 21 And baptism, which this prefigured, now saves you—not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for[ab] a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,(AY) 22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers made subject to him.(AZ)
Good Stewards of God’s Grace
4 Since, therefore, Christ suffered in the flesh,[ac] arm yourselves also with the same intention (for whoever has suffered in the flesh has finished with sin),(BA) 2 so as to live for the rest of your time in the flesh no longer by human desires but by the will of God.(BB) 3 You have already spent enough time in doing what the gentiles like to do, living in debauchery, passions, drunkenness, revels, carousing, and lawless idolatry.(BC) 4 They are surprised that you no longer join them in the same excesses of dissipation, and so they blaspheme.[ad](BD) 5 But they will have to give an accounting to him who stands ready to judge the living and the dead.(BE) 6 For this is the reason the gospel was proclaimed even to the dead, so that, though they had been judged in the flesh as everyone is judged, they might live in the spirit as God does.
7 The end of all things is near;[ae] therefore be serious and discipline yourselves for the sake of your prayers.(BF) 8 Above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins.(BG) 9 Be hospitable to one another without complaining. 10 Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received.(BH) 11 Whoever speaks must do so as one speaking the very words of God; whoever serves must do so with the strength that God supplies, so that God may be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ. To him belong the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.(BI)
Suffering as a Christian
12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that is taking place among you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you are sharing Christ’s sufferings, so that you may also be glad and shout for joy when his glory is revealed.(BJ) 14 If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the spirit of glory,[af] which is the Spirit of God,[ag] is resting on you.[ah](BK) 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, a criminal, or even as a mischief maker.[ai](BL) 16 Yet if any of you suffers as a Christian, do not consider it a disgrace, but glorify God because you bear this name.[aj] 17 For the time has come for judgment to begin with the household of God; if it begins with us, what will be the end for those who do not obey the gospel of God?(BM) 18 And
“If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”
19 Therefore, let those suffering in accordance with God’s will entrust their lives to a faithful Creator, while continuing to do good.
Tending the Flock of God
5 Now as an elder myself and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as one who shares in the glory to be revealed, I exhort the elders among you(BN) 2 to tend the flock of God that is in your charge, exercising the oversight,[ak] not under compulsion but willingly, as God would have you do it,[al] not for sordid gain but eagerly.(BO) 3 Do not lord it over those in your charge, but be examples to the flock.(BP) 4 And when the chief shepherd appears, you will win the crown of glory that never fades away.(BQ) 5 In the same way, you who are younger must be subject to the elders.[am] And all of you must clothe yourselves with humility in your dealings with one another, for
“God opposes the proud
but gives grace to the humble.”(BR)
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.(BS) 8 Discipline yourselves; keep alert. Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour.(BT) 9 Resist him, steadfast in your faith, for you know that your brothers and sisters in all the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering.(BU) 10 And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ,[an] will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you.(BV) 11 To him be the power[ao] forever and ever. Amen.
Final Greetings and Benediction
12 Through Silvanus, whom I consider a faithful brother, I have written this short letter to encourage you and to testify that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it.(BW) 13 Your sister church[ap] in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you greetings, and so does my son Mark. 14 Greet one another with a kiss of love.
Peace to all of you who are in Christ.[aq](BX)
Footnotes
- 1.6 Or Rejoice in this
- 1.8 Other ancient authorities read known
- 1.9 Or lives
- 1.11 Or the person and time
- 1.13 Gk gird up the loins of your mind
- 1.22 Or lives
- 1.22 Other ancient authorities add through the Spirit
- 1.22 Other ancient authorities read a pure heart
- 1.23 Or through the word of the living and enduring God
- 2.3 Or kind
- 2.5 Or you yourselves are being built
- 2.7 Other ancient authorities read obey
- 2.9 Gk a people for his possession
- 2.11 Or one’s life
- 2.12 Gk God on the day of visitation
- 2.13 Or every authority ordained for humans
- 2.17 Gk Love the brotherhood
- 2.18 Or fear
- 2.24 Or carried up our sins in his body to the tree
- 2.24 Gk bruise
- 2.25 Or lives
- 3.7 Or body
- 3.14 Or for righteousness’ sake
- 3.14 Gk their fear
- 3.16 Other ancient authorities read when they malign you as evildoers
- 3.18 Other ancient authorities read died
- 3.18 Other ancient authorities read us
- 3.21 Or a pledge to God from
- 4.1 Other ancient authorities add for us or for you
- 4.4 Or they malign you
- 4.7 Or is at hand
- 4.14 Other ancient authorities add and of power
- 4.14 Or spirit of glory and of God
- 4.14 Other ancient authorities add On their part he is blasphemed, but on your part he is glorified
- 4.15 Meaning of Gk uncertain
- 4.16 Other ancient authorities read in this respect
- 5.2 Other ancient authorities lack exercising the oversight
- 5.2 Or in a godly manner; other ancient authorities lack as God would have you do it
- 5.5 Or of those who are older
- 5.10 Other ancient authorities read Christ Jesus
- 5.11 Other ancient authorities read glory and power
- 5.13 Gk She who is
- 5.14 Other ancient authorities add Jesus or Amen or Jesus. Amen
1 Peter 1-5
New International Version
1 Peter 1-5
New International Version
1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,(A)
To God’s elect,(B) exiles(C) scattered(D) throughout the provinces of Pontus,(E) Galatia,(F) Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia,(G) 2 who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge(H) of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit,(I) to be obedient(J) to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood:(K)
Grace and peace be yours in abundance.(L)
Praise to God for a Living Hope
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!(M) In his great mercy(N) he has given us new birth(O) into a living hope(P) through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,(Q) 4 and into an inheritance(R) that can never perish, spoil or fade.(S) This inheritance is kept in heaven for you,(T) 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power(U) until the coming of the salvation(V) that is ready to be revealed(W) in the last time. 6 In all this you greatly rejoice,(X) though now for a little while(Y) you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.(Z) 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness(AA) of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire(AB)—may result in praise, glory and honor(AC) when Jesus Christ is revealed.(AD) 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him(AE) and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.(AF)
10 Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke(AG) of the grace that was to come to you,(AH) searched intently and with the greatest care,(AI) 11 trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ(AJ) in them was pointing when he predicted(AK) the sufferings of the Messiah and the glories that would follow. 12 It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you,(AL) when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you(AM) by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven.(AN) Even angels long to look into these things.
Be Holy
13 Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober,(AO) set your hope(AP) on the grace to be brought to you(AQ) when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.(AR) 14 As obedient(AS) children, do not conform(AT) to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.(AU) 15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do;(AV) 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”[a](AW)
17 Since you call on a Father(AX) who judges each person’s work(AY) impartially,(AZ) live out your time as foreigners(BA) here in reverent fear.(BB) 18 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed(BC) from the empty way of life(BD) handed down to you from your ancestors, 19 but with the precious blood(BE) of Christ, a lamb(BF) without blemish or defect.(BG) 20 He was chosen before the creation of the world,(BH) but was revealed in these last times(BI) for your sake. 21 Through him you believe in God,(BJ) who raised him from the dead(BK) and glorified him,(BL) and so your faith and hope(BM) are in God.
22 Now that you have purified(BN) yourselves by obeying(BO) the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply,(BP) from the heart.[b] 23 For you have been born again,(BQ) not of perishable seed, but of imperishable,(BR) through the living and enduring word of God.(BS) 24 For,
“All people are like grass,
and all their glory is like the flowers of the field;
the grass withers and the flowers fall,
25 but the word of the Lord endures forever.”[c](BT)
And this is the word that was preached to you.
2 Therefore, rid yourselves(BU) of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander(BV) of every kind. 2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk,(BW) so that by it you may grow up(BX) in your salvation, 3 now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.(BY)
The Living Stone and a Chosen People
4 As you come to him, the living Stone(BZ)—rejected by humans but chosen by God(CA) and precious to him— 5 you also, like living stones, are being built(CB) into a spiritual house[d](CC) to be a holy priesthood,(CD) offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.(CE) 6 For in Scripture it says:
“See, I lay a stone in Zion,
a chosen and precious cornerstone,(CF)
and the one who trusts in him
will never be put to shame.”[e](CG)
7 Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe,(CH)
8 and,
They stumble because they disobey the message—which is also what they were destined for.(CL)
9 But you are a chosen people,(CM) a royal priesthood,(CN) a holy nation,(CO) God’s special possession,(CP) that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.(CQ) 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God;(CR) once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
Living Godly Lives in a Pagan Society
11 Dear friends,(CS) I urge you, as foreigners and exiles,(CT) to abstain from sinful desires,(CU) which wage war against your soul.(CV) 12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds(CW) and glorify God(CX) on the day he visits us.
13 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority:(CY) whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, 14 or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong(CZ) and to commend those who do right.(DA) 15 For it is God’s will(DB) that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people.(DC) 16 Live as free people,(DD) but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil;(DE) live as God’s slaves.(DF) 17 Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers,(DG) fear God, honor the emperor.(DH)
18 Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters,(DI) not only to those who are good and considerate,(DJ) but also to those who are harsh. 19 For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God.(DK) 20 But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.(DL) 21 To this(DM) you were called,(DN) because Christ suffered for you,(DO) leaving you an example,(DP) that you should follow in his steps.
23 When they hurled their insults at him,(DS) he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats.(DT) Instead, he entrusted himself(DU) to him who judges justly.(DV) 24 “He himself bore our sins”(DW) in his body on the cross,(DX) so that we might die to sins(DY) and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”(DZ) 25 For “you were like sheep going astray,”[i](EA) but now you have returned to the Shepherd(EB) and Overseer of your souls.(EC)
3 Wives, in the same way submit yourselves(ED) to your own husbands(EE) so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over(EF) without words by the behavior of their wives, 2 when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. 3 Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes.(EG) 4 Rather, it should be that of your inner self,(EH) the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.(EI) 5 For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God(EJ) used to adorn themselves.(EK) They submitted themselves to their own husbands, 6 like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her lord.(EL) You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear.
7 Husbands,(EM) in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.
Suffering for Doing Good
8 Finally, all of you, be like-minded,(EN) be sympathetic, love one another,(EO) be compassionate and humble.(EP) 9 Do not repay evil with evil(EQ) or insult with insult.(ER) On the contrary, repay evil with blessing,(ES) because to this(ET) you were called(EU) so that you may inherit a blessing.(EV) 10 For,
“Whoever would love life
and see good days
must keep their tongue from evil
and their lips from deceitful speech.
11 They must turn from evil and do good;
they must seek peace and pursue it.
12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous
and his ears are attentive to their prayer,
but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”[j](EW)
13 Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good?(EX) 14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed.(EY) “Do not fear their threats[k]; do not be frightened.”[l](EZ) 15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer(FA) to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope(FB) that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience,(FC) so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.(FD) 17 For it is better, if it is God’s will,(FE) to suffer for doing good(FF) than for doing evil. 18 For Christ also suffered once(FG) for sins,(FH) the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.(FI) He was put to death in the body(FJ) but made alive in the Spirit.(FK) 19 After being made alive,[m] he went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits(FL)— 20 to those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently(FM) in the days of Noah while the ark was being built.(FN) In it only a few people, eight in all,(FO) were saved(FP) through water, 21 and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you(FQ) also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience(FR) toward God.[n] It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ,(FS) 22 who has gone into heaven(FT) and is at God’s right hand(FU)—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.(FV)
Living for God
4 Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body,(FW) arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin.(FX) 2 As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires,(FY) but rather for the will of God. 3 For you have spent enough time in the past(FZ) doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry.(GA) 4 They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you.(GB) 5 But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.(GC) 6 For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead,(GD) so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.
7 The end of all things is near.(GE) Therefore be alert and of sober mind(GF) so that you may pray. 8 Above all, love each other deeply,(GG) because love covers over a multitude of sins.(GH) 9 Offer hospitality(GI) to one another without grumbling.(GJ) 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others,(GK) as faithful(GL) stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God.(GM) If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides,(GN) so that in all things God may be praised(GO) through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.(GP)
Suffering for Being a Christian
12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you(GQ) to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice(GR) inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ,(GS) so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.(GT) 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ,(GU) you are blessed,(GV) for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.(GW) 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household;(GX) and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?(GY) 18 And,
“If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”[o](GZ)
19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will(HA) should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
To the Elders and the Flock
5 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder(HB) and a witness(HC) of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed:(HD) 2 Be shepherds of God’s flock(HE) that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be;(HF) not pursuing dishonest gain,(HG) but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over(HH) those entrusted to you, but being examples(HI) to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd(HJ) appears, you will receive the crown of glory(HK) that will never fade away.(HL)
5 In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves(HM) to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility(HN) toward one another, because,
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.(HP) 7 Cast all your anxiety on him(HQ) because he cares for you.(HR)
8 Be alert and of sober mind.(HS) Your enemy the devil prowls around(HT) like a roaring lion(HU) looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him,(HV) standing firm in the faith,(HW) because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.(HX)
10 And the God of all grace, who called you(HY) to his eternal glory(HZ) in Christ, after you have suffered a little while,(IA) will himself restore you and make you strong,(IB) firm and steadfast. 11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.(IC)
Final Greetings
12 With the help of Silas,[q](ID) whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly,(IE) encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it.(IF)
13 She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and so does my son Mark.(IG) 14 Greet one another with a kiss of love.(IH)
Peace(II) to all of you who are in Christ.
Footnotes
- 1 Peter 1:16 Lev. 11:44,45; 19:2
- 1 Peter 1:22 Some early manuscripts from a pure heart
- 1 Peter 1:25 Isaiah 40:6-8 (see Septuagint)
- 1 Peter 2:5 Or into a temple of the Spirit
- 1 Peter 2:6 Isaiah 28:16
- 1 Peter 2:7 Psalm 118:22
- 1 Peter 2:8 Isaiah 8:14
- 1 Peter 2:22 Isaiah 53:9
- 1 Peter 2:25 Isaiah 53:4,5,6 (see Septuagint)
- 1 Peter 3:12 Psalm 34:12-16
- 1 Peter 3:14 Or fear what they fear
- 1 Peter 3:14 Isaiah 8:12
- 1 Peter 3:19 Or but made alive in the spirit, 19 in which also
- 1 Peter 3:21 Or but an appeal to God for a clear conscience
- 1 Peter 4:18 Prov. 11:31 (see Septuagint)
- 1 Peter 5:5 Prov. 3:34
- 1 Peter 5:12 Greek Silvanus, a variant of Silas
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