⁶ In all this you greatly rejoice,^(A) though now for a little while^(B) you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.^{(C) 7} These have come so that the proven genuineness^(D) of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire^(E)—may result in praise, glory and honor^(F) when Jesus Christ is revealed.^{(G) 8} Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him^(H) 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.^(I)

¹⁹ For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God.^{(A) 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.^{(B) 21} To this^(C) you were called,^(D) because Christ suffered for you,^(E) leaving you an example,^(F) that you should follow in his steps.

²³ When they hurled their insults at him,^(I) he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats.^(J) Instead, he entrusted himself^(K) to him who judges justly.^{(L) 24} “He himself bore our sins”^(M) in his body on the cross,^(N) so that we might die to sins^(O) and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”^{(P) 25} For “you were like sheep going astray,”^[b](Q) but now you have returned to the Shepherd^(R) and Overseer of your souls.^(S)

¹⁴ But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed.^(A) “Do not fear their threats^[a]; do not be frightened.”^{[b](B) 15} But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer^(C) to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope^(D) that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, ¹⁶ keeping a clear conscience,^(E) so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.^{(F) 17} For it is better, if it is God’s will,^(G) to suffer for doing good^(H) than for doing evil. ¹⁸ For Christ also suffered once^(I) for sins,^(J) the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.^(K) He was put to death in the body^(L) but made alive in the Spirit.^(M)