¹⁸ For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed^(A) from the empty way of life^(B) handed down to you from your ancestors, ¹⁹ but with the precious blood^(C) of Christ, a lamb^(D) without blemish or defect.^(E)

³ now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.^(A)

The Living Stone and a Chosen People

⁴ As you come to him, the living Stone^(B)—rejected by humans but chosen by God^(C) and precious to him—

⁶ For in Scripture it says:

⁷ Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe,^(C)