1 Peter 2:1-17

Amplified Bible

As Newborn Babes

2 So put aside every trace of malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander and hateful speech; ² like newborn babies [you should] long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may be nurtured and grow in respect to salvation [its ultimate fulfillment], ³ if in fact you have [already] tasted ^[a]the goodness and gracious kindness of the Lord.^(A)

As Living Stones

⁴ Come to Him [the risen Lord] as to a living Stone which men rejected and threw away, but which is choice and precious in the sight of God.^{(B) 5} You [believers], like living stones, are ^[b]being built up into a spiritual house for a holy and dedicated priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices [that are] acceptable and pleasing to God through Jesus Christ. ⁶ For this is contained in Scripture:

⁷ This precious value, then, is for you who believe [in Him as God’s only Son—the Source of salvation]; but for those who disbelieve,

⁸ and,

for they stumble because they disobey the word [of God], and to this they [who reject Him as Savior] were also appointed.^(E)

⁹ But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a consecrated nation, a [special] people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies [the wonderful deeds and virtues and perfections] of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.^{(F) 10} Once you were not a people [at all], but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.^(G)

¹¹ Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers [in this world] to abstain from the sensual urges [those dishonorable desires] that wage war against the soul. ¹² Keep your behavior excellent among the [unsaved] Gentiles [conduct yourself honorably, with graciousness and integrity], so that ^[c]for whatever reason they may slander you as evildoers, yet by observing your good deeds they may [instead come to] glorify God ^[d]in the day of visitation [when He looks upon them with mercy].

Honor Authority

¹³ Submit yourselves to [the authority of] every human institution for the sake of the Lord [to honor His name], whether it is to a king as one in a position of power, ¹⁴ or to governors as sent by him to bring punishment to those who do wrong, and to praise and encourage those who do right. ¹⁵ For it is the will of God that by doing right you may silence (muzzle, gag) the [culpable] ignorance and irresponsible criticisms of foolish people. ¹⁶ Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover or pretext for evil, but [use it and live] as bond-servants of God. ¹⁷ Show respect for all people [treat them honorably], love the brotherhood [of believers], fear God, honor the king.