1 Peter 1-5
New Living Translation
Greetings from Peter
1 This letter is from Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ.
I am writing to God’s chosen people who are living as foreigners in the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia.[a] 2 God the Father knew you and chose you long ago, and his Spirit has made you holy. As a result, you have obeyed him and have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ.
May God give you more and more grace and peace.
The Hope of Eternal Life
3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, 4 and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. 5 And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see.
6 So be truly glad.[b] There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. 7 These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.
8 You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. 9 The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls.
10 This salvation was something even the prophets wanted to know more about when they prophesied about this gracious salvation prepared for you. 11 They wondered what time or situation the Spirit of Christ within them was talking about when he told them in advance about Christ’s suffering and his great glory afterward.
12 They were told that their messages were not for themselves, but for you. And now this Good News has been announced to you by those who preached in the power of the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. It is all so wonderful that even the angels are eagerly watching these things happen.
A Call to Holy Living
13 So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. Put all your hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. 14 So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then. 15 But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. 16 For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.”[c]
17 And remember that the heavenly Father to whom you pray has no favorites. He will judge or reward you according to what you do. So you must live in reverent fear of him during your time here as “temporary residents.” 18 For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And it was not paid with mere gold or silver, which lose their value. 19 It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God. 20 God chose him as your ransom long before the world began, but now in these last days he has been revealed for your sake.
21 Through Christ you have come to trust in God. And you have placed your faith and hope in God because he raised Christ from the dead and gave him great glory.
22 You were cleansed from your sins when you obeyed the truth, so now you must show sincere love to each other as brothers and sisters.[d] Love each other deeply with all your heart.[e]
23 For you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God. 24 As the Scriptures say,
“People are like grass;
their beauty is like a flower in the field.
The grass withers and the flower fades.
25 But the word of the Lord remains forever.”[f]
And that word is the Good News that was preached to you.
2 So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech. 2 Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, 3 now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness.
Living Stones for God’s House
4 You are coming to Christ, who is the living cornerstone of God’s temple. He was rejected by people, but he was chosen by God for great honor.
5 And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What’s more, you are his holy priests.[g] Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God. 6 As the Scriptures say,
“I am placing a cornerstone in Jerusalem,[h]
chosen for great honor,
and anyone who trusts in him
will never be disgraced.”[i]
7 Yes, you who trust him recognize the honor God has given him.[j] But for those who reject him,
“The stone that the builders rejected
has now become the cornerstone.”[k]
8 And,
“He is the stone that makes people stumble,
the rock that makes them fall.”[l]
They stumble because they do not obey God’s word, and so they meet the fate that was planned for them.
9 But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests,[m] a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.
10 “Once you had no identity as a people;
now you are God’s people.
Once you received no mercy;
now you have received God’s mercy.”[n]
11 Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls. 12 Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world.[o]
Respecting People in Authority
13 For the Lord’s sake, submit to all human authority—whether the king as head of state, 14 or the officials he has appointed. For the king has sent them to punish those who do wrong and to honor those who do right.
15 It is God’s will that your honorable lives should silence those ignorant people who make foolish accusations against you. 16 For you are free, yet you are God’s slaves, so don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do evil. 17 Respect everyone, and love the family of believers.[p] Fear God, and respect the king.
Slaves
18 You who are slaves must submit to your masters with all respect.[q] Do what they tell you—not only if they are kind and reasonable, but even if they are cruel. 19 For God is pleased when, conscious of his will, you patiently endure unjust treatment. 20 Of course, you get no credit for being patient if you are beaten for doing wrong. But if you suffer for doing good and endure it patiently, God is pleased with you.
21 For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered[r] for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.
22 He never sinned,
nor ever deceived anyone.[s]
23 He did not retaliate when he was insulted,
nor threaten revenge when he suffered.
He left his case in the hands of God,
who always judges fairly.
24 He personally carried our sins
in his body on the cross
so that we can be dead to sin
and live for what is right.
By his wounds
you are healed.
25 Once you were like sheep
who wandered away.
But now you have turned to your Shepherd,
the Guardian of your souls.
Wives
3 In the same way, you wives must accept the authority of your husbands. Then, even if some refuse to obey the Good News, your godly lives will speak to them without any words. They will be won over 2 by observing your pure and reverent lives.
3 Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. 4 You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God. 5 This is how the holy women of old made themselves beautiful. They put their trust in God and accepted the authority of their husbands. 6 For instance, Sarah obeyed her husband, Abraham, and called him her master. You are her daughters when you do what is right without fear of what your husbands might do.
Husbands
7 In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered.
All Christians
8 Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters.[t] Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. 9 Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing. 10 For the Scriptures say,
“If you want to enjoy life
and see many happy days,
keep your tongue from speaking evil
and your lips from telling lies.
11 Turn away from evil and do good.
Search for peace, and work to maintain it.
12 The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right,
and his ears are open to their prayers.
But the Lord turns his face
against those who do evil.”[u]
Suffering for Doing Good
13 Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats. 15 Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. 16 But do this in a gentle and respectful way.[v] Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. 17 Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong!
18 Christ suffered[w] for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit.[x]
19 So he went and preached to the spirits in prison— 20 those who disobeyed God long ago when God waited patiently while Noah was building his boat. Only eight people were saved from drowning in that terrible flood.[y] 21 And that water is a picture of baptism, which now saves you, not by removing dirt from your body, but as a response to God from[z] a clean conscience. It is effective because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
22 Now Christ has gone to heaven. He is seated in the place of honor next to God, and all the angels and authorities and powers accept his authority.
Living for God
4 So then, since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude he had, and be ready to suffer, too. For if you have suffered physically for Christ, you have finished with sin.[aa] 2 You won’t spend the rest of your lives chasing your own desires, but you will be anxious to do the will of God. 3 You have had enough in the past of the evil things that godless people enjoy—their immorality and lust, their feasting and drunkenness and wild parties, and their terrible worship of idols.
4 Of course, your former friends are surprised when you no longer plunge into the flood of wild and destructive things they do. So they slander you. 5 But remember that they will have to face God, who stands ready to judge everyone, both the living and the dead. 6 That is why the Good News was preached to those who are now dead[ab]—so although they were destined to die like all people,[ac] they now live forever with God in the Spirit.[ad]
7 The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers. 8 Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay.
10 God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. 11 Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.
Suffering for Being a Christian
12 Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. 13 Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.
14 If you are insulted because you bear the name of Christ, you will be blessed, for the glorious Spirit of God[ae] rests upon you.[af] 15 If you suffer, however, it must not be for murder, stealing, making trouble, or prying into other people’s affairs. 16 But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by his name! 17 For the time has come for judgment, and it must begin with God’s household. And if judgment begins with us, what terrible fate awaits those who have never obeyed God’s Good News? 18 And also,
“If the righteous are barely saved,
what will happen to godless sinners?”[ag]
19 So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will never fail you.
Advice for Elders and Young Men
5 And now, a word to you who are elders in the churches. I, too, am an elder and a witness to the sufferings of Christ. And I, too, will share in his glory when he is revealed to the whole world. As a fellow elder, I appeal to you: 2 Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. 3 Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example. 4 And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor.
5 In the same way, you who are younger must accept the authority of the elders. And all of you, dress yourselves in humility as you relate to one another, for
“God opposes the proud
but gives grace to the humble.”[ah]
6 So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. 7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.
8 Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 9 Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers[ai] all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.
10 In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. 11 All power to him forever! Amen.
Peter’s Final Greetings
12 I have written and sent this short letter to you with the help of Silas,[aj] whom I commend to you as a faithful brother. My purpose in writing is to encourage you and assure you that what you are experiencing is truly part of God’s grace for you. Stand firm in this grace.
13 Your sister church here in Babylon[ak] sends you greetings, and so does my son Mark. 14 Greet each other with a kiss of love.
Peace be with all of you who are in Christ.
Footnotes
- 1:1 Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia were Roman provinces in what is now Turkey.
- 1:6 Or So you are truly glad.
- 1:16 Lev 11:44-45; 19:2; 20:7.
- 1:22a Greek must have brotherly love.
- 1:22b Some manuscripts read with a pure heart.
- 1:24-25 Isa 40:6-8.
- 2:5 Greek holy priesthood.
- 2:6a Greek in Zion.
- 2:6b Isa 28:16 (Greek version).
- 2:7a Or Yes, for you who believe, there is honor.
- 2:7b Ps 118:22.
- 2:8 Isa 8:14.
- 2:9 Greek a royal priesthood.
- 2:10 Hos 1:6, 9; 2:23.
- 2:12 Or on the day of visitation.
- 2:17 Greek love the brotherhood.
- 2:18 Or because you fear God; Greek reads in all fear.
- 2:21 Some manuscripts read died.
- 2:22 Isa 53:9.
- 3:8 Greek Show brotherly love.
- 3:10-12 Ps 34:12-16.
- 3:16 Some English translations put this sentence in verse 15.
- 3:18a Some manuscripts read died.
- 3:18b Or in spirit.
- 3:20 Greek saved through water.
- 3:21 Or as an appeal to God for.
- 4:1 Or For the one [or One] who has suffered physically has finished with sin.
- 4:6a Greek preached even to the dead.
- 4:6b Or so although people had judged them worthy of death.
- 4:6c Or in spirit.
- 4:14a Or for the glory of God, which is his Spirit.
- 4:14b Some manuscripts add On their part he is blasphemed, but on your part he is glorified.
- 4:18 Prov 11:31 (Greek version).
- 5:5 Prov 3:34 (Greek version).
- 5:9 Greek your brotherhood.
- 5:12 Greek Silvanus.
- 5:13 Greek The elect one in Babylon. Babylon was probably symbolic for Rome.
1 Peter 1-5
New American Standard Bible
A Living Hope and a Sure Salvation
1 (A)Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,
To those who reside as (B)strangers, (C)scattered throughout (D)Pontus, (E)Galatia, (F)Cappadocia, (G)Asia, and (H)Bithynia, (I)who are chosen 2 according to the (J)foreknowledge of God the Father, (K)by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, [a]to (L)obey Jesus Christ and be (M)sprinkled with His blood: (N)May grace and peace be multiplied to you.
3 (O)Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who (P)according to His great mercy (Q)has caused us to be born again to (R)a living hope through the (S)resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to obtain an (T)inheritance which is imperishable, undefiled, and (U)will not fade away, (V)reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are (W)protected by the power of God (X)through faith for (Y)a salvation ready (Z)to be revealed in the last time. 6 (AA)In this you greatly rejoice, even though now (AB)for a little while, (AC)if necessary, you have been distressed by (AD)various [b]trials, 7 so that the [c](AE)proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which perishes (AF)though tested by fire, (AG)may be found to result in praise, glory, and honor at (AH)the revelation of Jesus Christ; 8 and (AI)though you have not seen Him, you (AJ)love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and [d]full of glory, 9 obtaining as (AK)the outcome of your faith, the salvation of [e]your souls.
10 (AL)As to this salvation, the prophets who (AM)prophesied of the (AN)grace that would come to you made careful searches and inquiries, 11 [f]seeking to know what person or time (AO)the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating as He (AP)predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories [g]to follow. 12 It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, in these things which now have been announced to you through those who (AQ)preached the gospel to you by (AR)the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things into which (AS)angels long to [h]look.
13 Therefore, [i](AT)prepare your minds for action, [j](AU)keep sober in spirit, set your (AV)hope completely on the (AW)grace to be brought to you at (AX)the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14 As [k](AY)obedient children, do not [l](AZ)be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your (BA)ignorance, 15 but [m](BB)like the Holy One who called you, [n](BC)be holy yourselves also (BD)in all your behavior; 16 because it is written: “(BE)You shall be holy, for I am holy.”
17 If you (BF)address as Father the One who (BG)impartially (BH)judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves (BI)in fear during the time of your (BJ)stay on earth; 18 knowing that you were not [o](BK)redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your (BL)futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, 19 but with precious (BM)blood, as of a (BN)lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ. 20 For He was (BO)foreknown before (BP)the foundation of the world, but has (BQ)appeared [p]in these last times (BR)for the sake of you 21 who through Him are (BS)believers in God, who raised Him from the dead and (BT)gave Him glory, so that your faith and (BU)hope are in God.
22 Since you have (BV)purified your souls (BW)in obedience to the truth for a (BX)sincere love of the brothers and sisters, fervently love one another from [q]the heart, 23 for you have been (BY)born again (BZ)not of seed which is perishable, but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring (CA)word of God. 24 For,
“(CB)All flesh is like grass,
And all its glory is like the flower of grass.
The grass withers,
And the flower falls off,
25 (CC)But the word of the Lord endures forever.”
And this is (CD)the word which was [r]preached to you.
As Newborn Babes
2 Therefore, (CE)rid yourselves of all [s]malice and all deceit and [t]hypocrisy and [u]envy and all [v](CF)slander, 2 (CG)and like newborn babies, long for the [w](CH)pure [x]milk of the word, so that by it you may (CI)grow [y]in respect to salvation, 3 if you have (CJ)tasted [z](CK)the kindness of the Lord.
As Living Stones
4 And coming to Him as to a living stone which has been (CL)rejected by people, but is [aa]choice and precious in the sight of God, 5 (CM)you also, as living stones, [ab]are being built up as a (CN)spiritual house for a holy (CO)priesthood, to (CP)offer spiritual sacrifices that are acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For this is contained in [ac]Scripture:
“(CQ)Behold, I am laying in Zion a choice stone, a (CR)precious cornerstone,
And the one who believes in [ad]Him will not be [ae]put to shame.”
7 (CS)This precious value, then, is for you who believe; but for unbelievers,
8 and,
“(CV)A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense”;
(CW)for they stumble because they are disobedient to the word, (CX)and to this they were also appointed.
9 But you are (CY)a chosen people, a royal (CZ)priesthood, a (DA)holy nation, (DB)a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you (DC)out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 (DD)for you once were not a people, but now you are the people of God; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
11 (DE)Beloved, (DF)I urge you as (DG)foreigners and strangers to abstain from (DH)fleshly lusts, which wage (DI)war against the soul. 12 (DJ)Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they (DK)slander you as evildoers, they may [ag]because of your good deeds, as they observe them, (DL)glorify God (DM)on the day of [ah]visitation.
Honor Authority
13 (DN)Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, 14 or to governors as sent [ai]by him (DO)for the punishment of evildoers and the (DP)praise of those who do right. 15 For [aj](DQ)such is the will of God, that by doing right you (DR)silence the ignorance of foolish people. 16 Act as (DS)free people, and [ak]do not use your freedom as a [al]covering for evil, but use it as (DT)bond-servants of God. 17 (DU)Honor all people, (DV)love the brotherhood, (DW)fear God, (DX)honor the [am]king.
18 (DY)Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and (DZ)gentle, but also to those who are [an]harsh. 19 For this finds favor, if for the sake of (EA)conscience toward God a person endures [ao]grief when suffering unjustly. 20 For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if (EB)when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God.
Christ Is Our Example
21 For (EC)you have been called for this purpose, (ED)because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you (EE)an example, so that you would follow in His steps, 22 He who (EF)committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth; 23 [ap]and while being (EG)abusively insulted, He did not insult in return; while suffering, He did not threaten, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously; 24 and He Himself [aq](EH)brought our sins in His body up on the [ar](EI)cross, so that we (EJ)might die to [as]sin and live for righteousness; (EK)by His [at]wounds you were (EL)healed. 25 For you were (EM)continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the (EN)Shepherd and [au]Guardian of your souls.
Godly Living
3 (EO)In the same way, you wives, (EP)be subject to your own husbands so that even if any of them are disobedient to the word, they may be (EQ)won over without a word by the behavior of their wives, 2 as they observe your pure [av]and respectful behavior. 3 (ER)Your adornment must not be merely the external—braiding the hair, wearing gold jewelry, or putting on apparel; 4 but it should be (ES)the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God. 5 For in this way the holy women of former times, (ET)who hoped in God, also used to adorn themselves, being subject to their own husbands, 6 just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, (EU)calling him lord; and you have proved to be her children if you do what is right [aw](EV)without being frightened by any fear.
7 (EW)You husbands in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with [ax](EX)someone weaker, since she is a woman; and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered.
8 [ay]To sum up, (EY)all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, [az](EZ)loving, (FA)compassionate, and (FB)humble; 9 (FC)not returning evil for evil or (FD)insult for insult, but giving a (FE)blessing instead; for (FF)you were called for the very purpose that you would (FG)inherit a blessing. 10 For,
“(FH)The one who desires life, to love and see good days,
Must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit.
11 (FI)He must turn away from evil and do good;
He must seek peace and pursue it.
12 (FJ)For the eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous,
And His ears attend to their prayer,
But the face of the Lord is against evildoers.”
13 (FK)And who is [ba]there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should (FL)suffer for the sake of righteousness, (FM)you [bb]are blessed. (FN)And do not fear their [bc]intimidation, and do not be in dread, 15 but [bd]sanctify (FO)Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready (FP)to make a [be]defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the (FQ)hope that is in you, but (FR)with gentleness and (FS)respect; 16 [bf]and keep a (FT)good conscience so that in the thing in which (FU)you are slandered, those who disparage your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame. 17 For (FV)it is better, (FW)if [bg]God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong. 18 For (FX)Christ also [bh]suffered for sins (FY)once for all time, the just for the unjust, so that He might (FZ)bring us to God, having been put to death (GA)in the flesh, but made alive (GB)in the [bi]spirit; 19 in [bj]which He also went and made proclamation to the spirits in prison, 20 who once were disobedient when the (GC)patience of God (GD)kept waiting in the days of Noah, during the construction of (GE)the ark, in which a few, that is, (GF)eight (GG)persons, were brought safely through the water. 21 (GH)Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you—(GI)not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God [bk]for a (GJ)good conscience—through (GK)the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 (GL)who is at the right hand of God, (GM)having gone into heaven, (GN)after angels and authorities and powers had been subjected to Him.
Keep Fervent in Your Love
4 Therefore, since (GO)Christ has [bl]suffered in the flesh, (GP)arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because (GQ)the one who has [bm]suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 (GR)so as to live (GS)the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human lusts, but for the (GT)will of God. 3 For (GU)the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles, [bn](GV)having pursued a course of indecent behavior, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties, and wanton idolatries. 4 In all this, they are surprised that you do not run with them in the same excesses of (GW)[bo]debauchery, and they (GX)slander you; 5 but they will give an account to Him who is ready to judge (GY)the living and the dead. 6 For (GZ)the gospel has for this purpose been [bp]preached even to those who are dead, that though they are judged in the flesh as people, they may live in the spirit according to the will of God.
7 (HA)The end of all things [bq]is near; therefore, (HB)be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of [br]prayer. 8 Above all, (HC)keep fervent in your love for one another, because (HD)love covers a multitude of sins. 9 (HE)Be hospitable to one another without (HF)complaint. 10 (HG)As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good (HH)stewards of the [bs]multifaceted grace of God. 11 (HI)Whoever speaks is to do so as one who is speaking (HJ)actual words of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving [bt](HK)by the strength which God supplies; so that (HL)in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, (HM)to whom belongs the glory and [bu]dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Share the Sufferings of Christ
12 (HN)Beloved, do not be surprised at the (HO)fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though something strange were happening to you; 13 but to the degree that you (HP)share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that at the (HQ)revelation of His glory (HR)you may also rejoice and be overjoyed. 14 If you are insulted [bv](HS)for the name of Christ, (HT)you are blessed, (HU)because the Spirit of glory, and of God, rests upon you. 15 Make sure that (HV)none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a [bw](HW)troublesome meddler; 16 but if anyone suffers as a (HX)Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to (HY)glorify God in this name. 17 For it is time for judgment (HZ)to begin [bx]with (IA)the household of God; and if it (IB)begins [by]with us first, what will be the outcome for those (IC)who do not obey the (ID)gospel of God? 18 (IE)And if it is with difficulty that the righteous is saved, [bz]what will become of the (IF)godless man and the sinner? 19 Therefore, those also who suffer according to (IG)the will of God are to entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.
Serve God Willingly
5 (IH)Therefore, I urge elders among you, as your (II)fellow elder and a (IJ)witness of the sufferings of Christ, and one who is also a [ca](IK)fellow partaker of the glory that is to be revealed: 2 shepherd (IL)the flock of God among you, exercising oversight, (IM)not under compulsion but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and (IN)not [cb]with greed but with eagerness; 3 nor yet as (IO)domineering over [cc]those assigned to your care, but by [cd]proving to be [ce](IP)examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief (IQ)Shepherd appears, you will receive the (IR)unfading [cf](IS)crown of glory. 5 (IT)You [cg]younger men, likewise, (IU)be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with (IV)humility toward one another, because (IW)God is opposed to the proud, but He gives grace to the humble.
6 Therefore (IX)humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you at the proper time, 7 having cast all your (IY)anxiety on Him, because He cares about you. 8 (IZ)Be of sober spirit, (JA)be on the alert. Your adversary, (JB)the devil, prowls around like a roaring (JC)lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 [ch](JD)So resist him, (JE)firm in your faith, knowing that (JF)the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your [ci]brothers and sisters who are in the world. 10 After you have suffered (JG)for a little while, the (JH)God of all grace, who (JI)called you to His (JJ)eternal glory in Christ, will Himself (JK)perfect, (JL)confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 11 (JM)To Him be dominion forever and ever. Amen.
12 Through (JN)Silvanus, our faithful brother [cj](for so I regard him), (JO)I have written to you briefly, [ck]exhorting and testifying that this is (JP)the true grace of God. (JQ)Stand firm in it! 13 She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you greetings, and so does my son, (JR)Mark. 14 (JS)Greet one another with a kiss of love.
(JT)Peace be to you all who are in Christ.
Footnotes
- 1 Peter 1:2 Lit unto obedience and sprinkling
- 1 Peter 1:6 Or temptations
- 1 Peter 1:7 Or genuineness
- 1 Peter 1:8 Lit glorified
- 1 Peter 1:9 One early ms does not contain your
- 1 Peter 1:11 Or inquiring
- 1 Peter 1:11 Lit after these
- 1 Peter 1:12 Or gain a clear glimpse
- 1 Peter 1:13 Lit belt up the waist of your mind
- 1 Peter 1:13 Lit be sober
- 1 Peter 1:14 Lit children of obedience
- 1 Peter 1:14 Or conform yourselves
- 1 Peter 1:15 Lit according to
- 1 Peter 1:15 Or become
- 1 Peter 1:18 Or ransomed
- 1 Peter 1:20 Lit at the end of the times
- 1 Peter 1:22 Two early mss a pure heart
- 1 Peter 1:25 Lit preached as good news to you
- 1 Peter 2:1 Or wickedness
- 1 Peter 2:1 plural nouns
- 1 Peter 2:1 plural nouns
- 1 Peter 2:1 plural nouns
- 1 Peter 2:2 Or unadulterated
- 1 Peter 2:2 Or spiritual (Gr logikos) milk, so
- 1 Peter 2:2 Or up to salvation
- 1 Peter 2:3 Lit that the Lord is kind
- 1 Peter 2:4 Lit chosen; or elect
- 1 Peter 2:5 Or allow yourselves to be built up; or build yourselves up
- 1 Peter 2:6 Or a scripture
- 1 Peter 2:6 Or it
- 1 Peter 2:6 Or disappointed
- 1 Peter 2:7 Lit head of the corner
- 1 Peter 2:12 Or as a result of
- 1 Peter 2:12 I.e., Christ’s coming again in judgment
- 1 Peter 2:14 Lit through
- 1 Peter 2:15 Lit so
- 1 Peter 2:16 Lit not having
- 1 Peter 2:16 I.e., a way to conceal
- 1 Peter 2:17 Or emperor
- 1 Peter 2:18 Or unscrupulous
- 1 Peter 2:19 Or pain
- 1 Peter 2:23 Lit who
- 1 Peter 2:24 Or offered...up
- 1 Peter 2:24 Lit wood; see Deut 21:23
- 1 Peter 2:24 Lit sins
- 1 Peter 2:24 Lit wound; or welt
- 1 Peter 2:25 Or Bishop, Overseer
- 1 Peter 3:2 Lit with respect
- 1 Peter 3:6 Lit and are not
- 1 Peter 3:7 Lit a weaker vessel
- 1 Peter 3:8 Or Finally
- 1 Peter 3:8 I.e., as brothers and sisters
- 1 Peter 3:13 Lit the one who will harm you
- 1 Peter 3:14 Or would be
- 1 Peter 3:14 Lit fear
- 1 Peter 3:15 I.e., set apart
- 1 Peter 3:15 Or argument; or explanation
- 1 Peter 3:16 Lit having a good
- 1 Peter 3:17 Lit the will of God
- 1 Peter 3:18 One early ms died
- 1 Peter 3:18 Or Spirit
- 1 Peter 3:19 Or whom
- 1 Peter 3:21 Or from
- 1 Peter 4:1 I.e., suffered death
- 1 Peter 4:1 I.e., suffered death
- 1 Peter 4:3 Lit having gone in
- 1 Peter 4:4 Or reckless abandon
- 1 Peter 4:6 I.e., preached in their lifetimes
- 1 Peter 4:7 Lit has come near
- 1 Peter 4:7 Lit prayers
- 1 Peter 4:10 Or manifold
- 1 Peter 4:11 Lit from
- 1 Peter 4:11 Or power
- 1 Peter 4:14 Lit in
- 1 Peter 4:15 Lit one who oversees others’ affairs
- 1 Peter 4:17 Lit from
- 1 Peter 4:17 Lit from
- 1 Peter 4:18 Lit where will appear
- 1 Peter 5:1 Or partner in
- 1 Peter 5:2 Or for dishonest gain
- 1 Peter 5:3 Lit the allotments
- 1 Peter 5:3 Or becoming examples
- 1 Peter 5:3 Or role models
- 1 Peter 5:4 Lit wreath
- 1 Peter 5:5 Or young people
- 1 Peter 5:9 Lit Whom resist
- 1 Peter 5:9 Lit fellowship
- 1 Peter 5:12 Lit (as I consider)
- 1 Peter 5:12 Or encouraging
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved.
