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.

A Heavenly Inheritance

^3 (H)Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who ^(I)according to His abundant mercy ^(J)has begotten us again to a living hope ^(K)through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, ⁴ to an inheritance ^[b]incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, ^(L)reserved in heaven for you, ^5 (M)who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

^6 (N)In this you greatly rejoice, though now ^(O)for a little while, if need be, ^(P)you have been ^[c]grieved by various trials, ⁷ that ^(Q)the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though ^(R)it is tested by fire, ^(S)may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, ^8 (T)whom having not ^[d]seen you love. ^(U)Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, ⁹ receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.

¹¹ “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and ^(A)that your joy may be full.

¹³ But now I come to You, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves.

²² Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and ^(A)your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you.

¹⁰ Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

¹¹ And not only that, but we also ^(A)rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.

⁴⁰ And they agreed with him, and when they had ^(A)called for the apostles ^(B)and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. ⁴¹ So they departed from the presence of the council, ^(C)rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for ^[a]His name.

⁵² And the disciples ^(A)were filled with joy and ^(B)with the Holy Spirit.