¹³ Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good?^{(A) 14} But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed.^(B) “Do not fear their threats^[a]; do not be frightened.”^{[b](C) 15} But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer^(D) to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope^(E) that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, ¹⁶ keeping a clear conscience,^(F) so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.^{(G) 17} For it is better, if it is God’s will,^(H) to suffer for doing good^(I) than for doing evil. ¹⁸ For Christ also suffered once^(J) for sins,^(K) the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.^(L) He was put to death in the body^(M) but made alive in the Spirit.^{(N) 19} After being made alive,^[c] he went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits^(O)— ²⁰ to those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently^(P) in the days of Noah while the ark was being built.^(Q) In it only a few people, eight in all,^(R) were saved^(S) through water, ²¹ and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you^(T) also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience^(U) toward God.^[d] It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ,^{(V) 22} who has gone into heaven^(W) and is at God’s right hand^(X)—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.^(Y)

Living for God

4 Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body,^(Z) arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin.^{(AA) 2} As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires,^(AB) but rather for the will of God. ³ For you have spent enough time in the past^(AC) doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry.^{(AD) 4} They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you.^{(AE) 5} But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.^{(AF) 6} For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead,^(AG) so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.

⁷ The end of all things is near.^(AH) Therefore be alert and of sober mind^(AI) so that you may pray. ⁸ Above all, love each other deeply,^(AJ) because love covers over a multitude of sins.^{(AK) 9} Offer hospitality^(AL) to one another without grumbling.^{(AM) 10} Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others,^(AN) as faithful^(AO) stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. ¹¹ If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God.^(AP) If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides,^(AQ) so that in all things God may be praised^(AR) through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.^(AS)