Greeting to the Elect Pilgrims

1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,

To the ^[a]pilgrims ^(A)of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, ^2 (B)elect ^(C)according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, ^(D)in sanctification of the Spirit, for ^(E)obedience and ^(F)sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ:

^(G)Grace to you and peace be multiplied.

^6 (A)In this you greatly rejoice, though now ^(B)for a little while, if need be, ^(C)you have been ^[a]grieved by various trials,

^20 (A)He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was ^[a]manifest ^(B)in these last times for you

Living Before the World

¹¹ Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts ^(A)which war against the soul, ^12 (B)having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, ^(C)they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.

Suffering for God’s Glory

¹² Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you;

¹⁷ For the time has come ^(A)for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, ^(B)what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?

¹⁹ Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God ^(A)commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.

²³ And ^(A)then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; ^(B)depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’