¹⁸ For Christ also suffered once^(A) for sins,^(B) the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.^(C) He was put to death in the body^(D) but made alive in the Spirit.^{(E) 19} After being made alive,^[a] he went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits^(F)— ²⁰ to those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently^(G) in the days of Noah while the ark was being built.^(H) In it only a few people, eight in all,^(I) were saved^(J) through water, ²¹ and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you^(K) also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience^(L) toward God.^[b] It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ,^{(M) 22} who has gone into heaven^(N) and is at God’s right hand^(O)—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.^(P)

Living for God

4 Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body,^(Q) arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin.^{(R) 2} As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires,^(S) but rather for the will of God. ³ For you have spent enough time in the past^(T) doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry.^{(U) 4} They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you.^{(V) 5} But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.^{(W) 6} For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead,^(X) 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.^(Y) Therefore be alert and of sober mind^(Z) so that you may pray. ⁸ Above all, love each other deeply,^(AA) because love covers over a multitude of sins.^{(AB) 9} Offer hospitality^(AC) to one another without grumbling.^{(AD) 10} Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others,^(AE) as faithful^(AF) 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.^(AG) If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides,^(AH) so that in all things God may be praised^(AI) through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.^(AJ)

Suffering for Being a Christian

¹² Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you^(AK) to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. ¹³ But rejoice^(AL) inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ,^(AM) so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.^{(AN) 14} If you are insulted because of the name of Christ,^(AO) you are blessed,^(AP) for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. ¹⁵ If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. ¹⁶ However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.^(AQ)