1 Peter 3:17-4:11

Christian Standard Bible

¹⁷ For it is better to suffer^(A) for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.

¹⁸ For Christ also suffered^(B) for sins once for all,^(C) the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring you to God.^(D) He was put to death in the flesh^[a](E) but made alive by the Spirit,^{[b] 19} in which^[c] he also went and made proclamation to the spirits^(F) in prison ²⁰ who in the past were disobedient, when God patiently waited in the days of Noah^(G) while the ark was being prepared. In it a few—that is, eight people^[d](H)—were saved through water. ²¹ Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you (not as the removal of dirt from the body,^(I) but the pledge^[e] of a good conscience toward God) through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,^{(J) 22} who has gone into heaven^(K) and is at the right hand of God^(L) with angels, authorities, and powers subject to him.^(M)

Following Christ

4 Therefore, since Christ suffered^[f] in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same understanding^[g]—because the one who suffers in the flesh is finished^(N) with sin^[h]— ² in order to live the remaining time in the flesh no longer for human desires, but for God’s will.^{(O) 3} For there has already been enough time spent in doing what the Gentiles choose to do: carrying on in unrestrained behavior, evil desires,^(P) drunkenness, orgies,^(Q) carousing, and lawless idolatry. ⁴ They are surprised that you don’t join them in the same flood of wild living—and they slander^[i] you. ⁵ They will give an account to the one who stands ready to judge the living and the dead.^{(R) 6} For this reason the gospel was also preached to those who are now dead,^[j](S) so that, although they might be judged in the flesh according to human standards,^(T) they might live^(U) in the spirit according to God’s standards.

End-Time Ethics

⁷ The end of all things is near;^(V) therefore, be alert and sober-minded^(W) for prayer. ⁸ Above all, maintain constant love^(X) for one another, since love covers a multitude of sins.^{[k](Y) 9} Be hospitable^(Z) to one another without complaining. ¹⁰ Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others,^(AA) as good stewards of the varied grace of God. ¹¹ If anyone speaks, let it be as one who speaks God’s words; if anyone serves, let it be from the strength God provides,^(AB) so that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ in everything. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.