1 Peter 4-5

English Standard Version

Stewards of God's Grace

4 Since therefore ^(A)Christ suffered in the flesh,^[a] ^(B)arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for ^(C)whoever has suffered in the flesh ^(D)has ceased from sin, ²^(E)so as to live for ^(F)the rest of the time in the flesh ^(G)no longer for human passions but ^(H)for the will of God. ³For the time that is past ^(I)suffices ^(J)for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. ⁴With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of ^(K)debauchery, and ^(L)they malign you; ⁵but they will give account to him who is ready ^(M)to judge the living and the dead. ⁶For this is why ^(N)the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.

⁷^(O)The end of all things is at hand; therefore ^(P)be self-controlled and sober-minded ^(Q)for the sake of your prayers. ⁸Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since ^(R)love covers a multitude of sins. ⁹^(S)Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. ¹⁰^(T)As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, ^(U)as good stewards of God's varied grace: ¹¹whoever speaks, as one who speaks ^(V)oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves ^(W)by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything ^(X)God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. ^(Y)To him belong glory and ^(Z)dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Suffering as a Christian

¹²Beloved, do not be surprised at ^(AA)the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. ¹³But rejoice ^(AB)insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad ^(AC)when his glory is revealed. ¹⁴^(AD)If you are insulted ^(AE)for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory^[b] and of God rests upon you. ¹⁵But ^(AF)let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or ^(AG)as a meddler. ¹⁶Yet ^(AH)if anyone suffers as a ^(AI)Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God ^(AJ)in that name. ¹⁷For it is time for judgment ^(AK)to begin at the household of God; and ^(AL)if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who ^(AM)do not obey the gospel of God? ¹⁸And

^(AN)“If the righteous is scarcely saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”^[c]

¹⁹Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will ^(AO)entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.

Shepherd the Flock of God

5 So I exhort the elders among you, ^(AP)as a fellow elder and ^(AQ)a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: ²^(AR)shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight,^[d] ^(AS)not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you;^[e] ^(AT)not for shameful gain, but eagerly; ³not ^(AU)domineering over those in your charge, but ^(AV)being examples to the flock. ⁴And when ^(AW)the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the ^(AX)unfading ^(AY)crown of glory. ⁵Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. ^(AZ)Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for ^(BA)“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

⁶^(BB)Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, ⁷^(BC)casting all your anxieties on him, because ^(BD)he cares for you. ⁸^(BE)Be sober-minded; ^(BF)be watchful. Your ^(BG)adversary the devil ^(BH)prowls around ^(BI)like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. ⁹^(BJ)Resist him, ^(BK)firm in your faith, knowing that ^(BL)the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. ¹⁰And ^(BM)after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, ^(BN)who has called you to his ^(BO)eternal glory in Christ, will himself ^(BP)restore, ^(BQ)confirm, strengthen, and establish you. ¹¹^(BR)To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Final Greetings

¹²By ^(BS)Silvanus, a faithful brother as I regard him, ^(BT)I have written briefly to you, exhorting and declaring that this is ^(BU)the true grace of God. ^(BV)Stand firm in it. ¹³She who is at Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings, and so does ^(BW)Mark, my son. ¹⁴^(BX)Greet one another with the kiss of love.