Beginning

1 From Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ. To God’s ·chosen [elect] people who are ·away from their homes [exiles; temporary residents; refugees; foreigners] ·and are scattered [^Lof the Diaspora/Dispersion; ^Can analogy to the Jewish people scattered around the known world since the Babylonian exile] all around Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia [^Call located in Asia Minor, present-day Turkey]. ² God the Father ·planned long ago to choose you [^Lchose you according to his foreknowledge] ·by making you his holy people, which is the Spirit’s work [or by the sanctifying/purifying work of the Spirit; or by setting you apart by means of the Spirit]. God wanted you to obey him and to be ·made clean [^Lsprinkled] by the blood of the death of Jesus Christ. [^CIn the OT blood from animal sacrifices was sprinkled on persons and objects to indicate purification or forgiveness of sins; Ex. 24:3–8.]

Grace and peace be ·yours more and more [^Lmultiplied to you].

We Have a Living Hope

³ ·Praise be to [^LBlessed be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. In God’s ·great [abundant] mercy he has caused us to be born ·again [anew; John 3:5–8] into a living hope, ·because Jesus Christ rose [or by means of the resurrection of Jesus Christ] from the dead. ⁴ ·Now we hope for [or This new birth provides us with] ·the blessings God has for his children [^Lan inheritance]. ·These blessings [or This inheritance], which cannot be destroyed or be ·spoiled [corrupted; defiled] or lose their beauty, ·are [is] kept in heaven for you [Matt. 6:19–21; Luke 12:33]. ⁵ God’s power protects you through your faith until ·salvation is shown to you [or the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed] ·at the end of [in the last] time. ⁶ ·This makes you very happy [or Rejoice in this], even though now for a short time ·different kinds of troubles may make you sad [you have had to suffer various kinds of trials/testings]. ⁷ These ·troubles [trials; testings] come ·to prove that your faith is pure [to test and prove the authenticity of your faith; ^Ca test that proves the genuineness of a valuable metal]. This ·purity of faith [or tested and proven authenticity] is ·worth more [more precious; more valuable] than gold, which can be ·proved to be pure [tested and proven authentic] by fire [Ps. 66:10; Prov. 17:3; 27:21; Zech. 13:9; Mal. 3:3] but ·can [or will] be destroyed. But the ·purity [tested and proven authenticity] of your faith will bring you praise and glory and honor ·when Jesus Christ is shown to you [^Lat the revelation of Jesus Christ]. ⁸ You have not seen ·Christ [^Lhim], but still you love him. You cannot see him now, but you believe in him. So you ·are filled [rejoice] with ·a joy that cannot be explained, a joy full of glory [an inexpressible and glorious joy]. ⁹ ·And you are receiving [or …because you are receiving] the ·goal [outcome; purpose] of your faith—the salvation of your souls.

¹⁰ The prophets [^Cof the Old Testament] searched carefully and ·tried to learn [diligently inquired/investigated] about this salvation. They prophesied about the grace that was coming to you. ¹¹ The Spirit of Christ was in the prophets, ·telling [witnessing; testifying] in advance about the sufferings of Christ and about the glory that would follow those sufferings [Luke 24:25–27, 45–49]. The prophets ·tried to learn [inquired; investigated] about what the Spirit was showing them, ·when those things would happen, and what the world would be like at that time [about the circumstances and time; or about the person and time]. ¹² It was ·shown [revealed to] them that their service was not for themselves but for you, when they ·told about [announced] the truths [^Lthings] you have now heard. Those who preached the ·Good News [Gospel] to you ·told you [announced] those things with the help of the Holy Spirit who was sent from heaven—things into which angels desire to look.

A Call to Holy Living

¹³ ·So [Therefore; For this reason] ·prepare your minds for service [prepare your minds for action; or, be alert; ^Lgird the loins of your mind] and ·have self-control [be disciplined]. ·All your hope should be for [Focus all your hope on] the gift of grace that will be ·yours [brought/given to you] ·when Jesus Christ is shown to you [^Lat the revelation of Jesus Christ]. ¹⁴ ·Now that you are [As; or Like] obedient ·children of God [^Lchildren] ·do not live as you did in the past. You did not understand, so you did the evil things you wanted [^Ldo not be shaped by the desires/lusts of your former ignorance]. ¹⁵ But be holy in all ·you do [your behavior/conduct], just as ·God, the One [^Lthe One] who called you, is holy. ¹⁶ [^LFor; Because] It is written in the Scriptures: “You must be holy, because I am holy [Lev. 11:45; 19:2; 20:7].”

¹⁷ ·You pray to God and call him Father, and he [^LSince you address as Father the one who] judges each person’s ·work [deeds] ·equally [impartially; without prejudice]. So while you are ·here on earth [living as exiles/strangers/sojourners], you should live with ·respect [fear] for God [Prov. 1:7]. ¹⁸ [^LFor] You know that in the past you were living in a ·worthless [meaningless; futile; vain; Eccl. 1:2] way, a way passed down from ·the people who lived before you [your ancestors]. But you were saved [ransomed; redeemed] from that useless life. You were ·bought [ransomed; redeemed; ^Clike a slave whose freedom was purchased by a payment], not with something that ·ruins [perishes; spoils] like silver or gold, ¹⁹ but with the precious blood of Christ [Is. 52:3], who was like ·a pure and perfect lamb [a lamb without defect or blemish; Lev. 1:3]. ²⁰ Christ was ·chosen [destined; ^Lforeknown] before ·the world was made [^Lthe foundation/creation of the world], but he was ·shown to the world [revealed] in these last times for your sake. ²¹ Through Christ you ·believe [have faith/trust] in God, who raised Christ from the dead and gave him glory. So your faith and your hope are in God.

²² Now that your obedience to the truth has purified your ·souls [or lives], you can have ·true [genuine; sincere] love for your Christian brothers and sisters. So love each other ·deeply [earnestly] ·with all your [^Lfrom the] heart.^{[a] 23} You have been born ·again [or anew], and this new life did not come from ·something that dies [^La perishable seed], but from ·something that cannot die [^Lan imperishable seed]. You were born ·again [or anew] through ·God’s living message that continues forever [^Lthe living and abiding/enduring word of God]. ²⁴ ·The Scripture says [^LFor; Therefore],

And this is the word that was ·preached [or proclaimed as Good News/Gospel] to you.

Jesus Is the Living Stone

2 So then, rid yourselves of all evil, all ·lying [deceit], hypocrisy, ·jealousy [envy], and ·evil speech [slander; ^Call traits that destroy relationships; Rom. 13:13; Eph. 4:25–32; Col. 3:8]. ² As newborn babies want milk, you should want the ·pure [sincere; unadulterated] and ·simple [or spiritual] ·teaching [^Lmilk; ^Cprobably referring to the word of God; see 1:23–25]. By it you can ·mature [grow; reach maturity] in your salvation, ³ because you have already ·examined and seen [^Ltasted] how good the Lord is [Ps. 34:8].

⁴ Come to the Lord Jesus, the ·“stone” that lives [^La living stone; ^CJesus is the most important stone in the spiritual temple described in v. 5]. ·The people of the world did not want this stone, but he was the stone God chose, and he was precious [^L…rejected by people, but chosen and precious/valuable to God]. ⁵ You also are like living stones, so let yourselves be used to build a spiritual ·temple [house]—to be holy priests who offer spiritual sacrifices that are ·acceptable [pleasing] to God ·through [or because they are mediated by] Jesus Christ. ⁶ The Scripture ·says [^Lcontains]:

  ⁷ ·This stone is worth much to you who believe [or You who believe see the honor/value/preciousness of the stone; ^LThe honor is to you who believe]. But to the people who do not believe,

  ⁸ ·Also, he is [^LAnd]

They stumble because they do not obey ·what God says [the message/word], which is what God ·planned to happen to [destined/appointed for] them.

⁹ But you are a chosen ·people [or generation; Is. 43:21], royal ·priests [^Lpriesthood], a holy nation, a people ·for God’s own possession [who belong to God; Ex. 19:5–6]. You were chosen to ·tell about the wonderful acts of God, who [proclaim the praises/virtues of him who] called you out of darkness into his ·wonderful [marvelous] light. ¹⁰ At one time you were not a people, but now you are God’s people. In the past you had ·never [^Lnot] received mercy, but now you have received God’s mercy [Hos. 2:23].

Live for God

¹¹ ·Dear friends [^LBeloved], I ·beg [urge; exhort] you as ·foreigners [strangers; sojourners; resident aliens; 1:17] and ·strangers in this world [exiles; temporary residents; refugees; foreigners; 1:1; Gen. 23:4] to ·avoid [abstain from] the ·evil things your bodies want to do [^Lfleshly/worldly desires] that fight against your soul. ¹² Live such good lives among unbelievers [^Lthe Gentiles/pagans] that, even though they might ·say that you are doing wrong [slander you; accuse you of doing evil], they will see the good things you do and will give glory to God ·on the day when Christ comes again [when Christ comes to judge; ^Lon the day of visitation].

Yield to Every Human Authority

¹³ For the Lord’s sake, ·yield [submit; be subject] to ·the people who have authority in this world [or every human institution/creation; Rom. 13:1–7; Titus 3:1]: the ·king [or emperor], who is the ·highest [supreme] authority, ¹⁴ and the ·leaders [governors] who are ·sent [commissioned] by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right. ¹⁵ [^LFor; Because] It is ·God’s desire [^Lthe will of God] that by doing good you should ·stop foolish people from saying stupid things about you [^Lsilence the ignorant talk of foolish people]. ¹⁶ Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as an ·excuse [cover-up; pretext] to do evil. Live as ·servants [slaves] of God. ¹⁷ ·Show respect for [Honor] all people: Love the ·brothers and sisters of God’s family [community of believers; brotherhood], ·respect [fear] God [Prov. 1:7], honor the king [or emperor; Rom. 13:1].

Follow Christ’s Example

¹⁸ ·Slaves [Servants; ^Cthe term refers to household slaves], ·yield [submit; be subject; ^Cput the other person’s interests first] to the authority of your masters with all ·respect [fear; deference; Eph. 6:5–9; Col. 3:22—4:1], not only those who are good and ·kind [gentle; considerate], but also those who are ·dishonest [or cruel; ^Lcrooked]. ¹⁹ A person might have to suffer even when it is ·unfair [unjust], but if ·through awareness of God [or because of his God-given conscience] he endures the ·pain [grief], ·God is pleased [or this is commendable; ^Lthis is favor/credit/grace]. ²⁰ If you are beaten for ·doing wrong [sin], ·there is no reason to praise you [what credit/honor is that for you…?] for ·being patient in your punishment [enduring it]. But if you suffer for doing good, and you ·are patient [endure it], ·then God is pleased [this is commendable to God; ^Lthis is favor/credit/grace from God]. ²¹ [^LFor] This is what you were called to do, because Christ suffered for you ·and gave you [leaving you] an example to follow. So you should ·do as he did [^Lfollow in his footsteps].

²³ People ·insulted [abused; reviled] Christ, but he did not ·insult [abuse; revile] them in return. Christ suffered, but he did not threaten. ·He let God, the One who judges rightly, take care of him [^LHe delivered/entrusted himself to the One who judges justly/rightly]. ²⁴ Christ [^Lhimself] ·carried [bore] our sins in his body on the ·cross [^Ltree; Deut. 21:23; Gal. 3:13] so we would ·stop living for [die to] sin and start living for ·what is right [righteousness]. And you are healed ·because of [by] his wounds. ²⁵ [^LFor] You were like sheep that wandered away [Is. 53:6], but now you have come back to the Shepherd and ·Overseer [Guardian] of your souls.

Wives and Husbands

3 In the same way [2:18], you wives should ·yield [submit; be subject; Eph. 5:21–24; Col. 3:18; ^Cputting the other person’s interests first] to your husbands. Then, if some husbands do not ·obey [or believe] ·God’s teaching [^Lthe word/message], they will be ·persuaded to believe [won over; ^Lgained] without anyone’s saying a word to them. They will be ·persuaded [won over; ^Lgained] by ·the way their wives live [their wives’ conduct/behavior]. ² Your husbands will see the pure lives you live ·with your respect for God [^Lin reverence/fear; ^Cfear in the positive sense of reverence for God; Prov. 1:7]. ³ It is not [^Lexternal things like] ·fancy [braided; elaborate] hair, gold jewelry, or fine clothes that should ·make you beautiful [^Lbe your adornment]. ⁴ No, your beauty should come from ·within you [your inner self; ^Lthe hidden/secret person of the heart]—the beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit that will never ·be destroyed [fade; perish] and is ·very precious [very valuable; of great worth] to God [Prov. 31:30]. ⁵ In this same way the holy women who lived long ago and ·followed [^Lput their hope in] God ·made themselves beautiful [^Ladorned themselves], ·yielding [submitting; subjecting themselves] to their own husbands. ⁶ Sarah obeyed Abraham, her husband, and called him her ·master [lord; Gen. 18:12]. And you women are true children of Sarah if you always do what is ·right [good] and ·are not afraid [^Lfear no fear/intimidation].

⁷ In the same way [2:18; 3:1], you husbands should live with your wives in an ·understanding [considerate] way [Eph. 5:25–33; Col. 3:19], since they are ·weaker than you [the weaker sex; or the less empowered one; ^Lthe weaker vessel; ^Cwomen are typically physically weaker, but in Greco-Roman and Jewish society, they also had less power and authority]. But ·show them respect [pay/give them honor], because ·God gives them the same blessing he gives you—[^Lthey are co-heirs of] ·the grace that gives true life [or God’s gift of life; ^Lthe grace of life]. Do this so that nothing will ·stop [hinder] your prayers.

Suffering for Doing Right

⁸ Finally, all of you should ·be in agreement [be like-minded; live in harmony], ·understanding each other [sympathetic], ·loving each other as family [^Lshowing brotherly love], being ·kind [tender; compassionate] and humble. ⁹ Do not ·do wrong to repay a wrong, and do not insult to repay an insult [^Lrepay evil for evil or insult for insult]. But repay with a blessing, because you yourselves were called [^Cby God] to do this so that you might ·receive [^Linherit] a blessing [Luke 6:27–28]. ¹⁰ ·The Scripture says [^LFor],

¹³ If you are ·trying hard [eager; zealous; passionate] to do good, ·no one [^Lwho…?] can really ·hurt [harm; do evil to; mistreat] you. ¹⁴ But even if you suffer for ·doing right [righteousness], you are blessed [Matt. 5:10].

¹⁵ But ·respect Christ as the holy Lord [^Lsanctify Christ as Lord; Is. 8:13] in your hearts [^Cthat is, acknowledge his holiness and sovereignty in your life]. Always be ready to ·answer [or give a defense to] everyone who asks you to explain about the hope ·you have [^Lthat is in you], ¹⁶ but answer in a ·gentle [humble] way and ·with respect [or with fear/reverence for God]. Keep a ·clear [good] conscience so that ·those who speak evil of [^Lwhen you are accused, those slanderers of] your good ·life [behavior; conduct] in Christ will be made ashamed. ¹⁷ It is better to suffer for doing good than for doing ·wrong [evil] if that is ·what God wants [the will of God]. ¹⁸ Christ himself suffered for sins ·once [or once for all; ^Conly his suffering has the power to redeem others]. ·He was not guilty, but he suffered for those who are guilty [^L…the righteous for the unrighteous] to bring you to God. ·His body was killed [^LHe was put to death in the flesh/body], but he was made alive in the ·spirit [or Spirit; ^Cat his resurrection in a glorified body]. ¹⁹ And in the ·spirit [or Spirit] he went and preached to the spirits in prison [^Cprobably either fallen angels, imprisoned by God (see Gen. 6:1–4; 2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6) or the spirits of the people who rejected Noah’s preaching; see v. 20] ²⁰ who refused to obey God long ago in the time of Noah [Gen. 6:1—8:22], when ·God was waiting patiently [^Lthe patience of God waited] while Noah was building the ·boat [ark]. [In this ark; ^LIn it] Only a few people—eight in all—were saved ·by [or through] water. ²¹ And that water ·is like [anticipates; foreshadows; symbolizes; prefigures] baptism that now saves you—not the ·washing [removal] of dirt from the body, but the ·promise [pledge; appeal; or response] made to God from a ·good [clear] conscience. And this is ·because Jesus Christ was raised from the dead [or through the resurrection of Jesus Christ]. ²² Now Jesus has gone into heaven and is at God’s right side [^Cthe place of honor] ·ruling over angels, authorities, and powers [^Lwith angels, authorities, and powers made subject to him].

Change Your Lives

4 [^LTherefore] Since Christ suffered while he was in his ·body [^Tflesh], ·strengthen [arm] yourselves with the same ·way of thinking Christ had [intention; attitude; resolve]. [^LBecause] The person who has suffered in the ·body [^Tflesh] ·is finished with sin [or has broken from the power of sin]. ² ·Strengthen [Arm] yourselves so that you will live ·here on earth [^Lthe rest of the time in the flesh] doing ·what God wants [the will of God], ·not the evil things people want [or not pursuing your own human desires]. ³ ·In the past you wasted too much time [or For you have spent enough time in the past] doing what ·nonbelievers [Gentiles; pagans] enjoy. You were guilty of sexual sins, evil desires, drunkenness, wild and drunken parties, and ·hateful [lawless; detestable] idol worship. ⁴ ·Nonbelievers [The Gentiles/pagans] think it is ·strange [surprising] that you do not ·do the many wild and wasteful things they do [^Lrun with them into the same flood/excess of debauchery], so they ·insult you [abuse/slander you; or blaspheme]. ⁵ But they will have to ·explain [^Tgive account of] this to God, who is ready to judge the living and the dead. ⁶ For this reason the ·Good News [Gospel] was preached to those who are now dead. Even though they were judged ·like all people [^Laccording to human beings in the flesh], the Good News was preached to them so they could live ·in the spirit as God lives [or in the Spirit as God lives; ^Laccording to God in the spirit/Spirit; ^Cthough Christians will die physically, because of the Good News they will live forever with God].

Use God’s Gifts Wisely

⁷ The ·time is near when all things will end [^Tend of all things is near]. So ·think clearly [be serious/alert] and ·control [discipline] yourselves so you will be able to pray. ⁸ Most importantly, love each other ·deeply [earnestly], because love ·will cause people to forgive each other for many sins [^Lcovers a multitude of sins; Prov. 10:12; Luke 7:46–47]. ⁹ ·Open your homes [Be hospitable] to each other, without ·complaining [grumbling]. ¹⁰ Each of you has received a gift to use to serve others. Be good ·servants [stewards; managers] of God’s various gifts of grace [Rom. 5:15–16; 6:23]. ¹¹ Anyone who speaks should speak ·words from God [or oracles from God; or as one bringing God’s message]. Anyone who serves should serve with the strength God gives so that in everything God will be ·praised [glorified] through Jesus Christ. Glory and power belong to him forever and ever [Col. 3:17]. Amen.

Suffering as a Christian

¹² ·My friends [Beloved], do not be surprised at the ·terrible trouble [fiery ordeal; Zech. 13:9; Mal. 3:1–3] which now comes to test you. Do not think that something strange is happening to you. ¹³ But ·be happy [rejoice] that you are sharing in Christ’s sufferings so that you will ·be happy and full of joy [^Lrejoice exulting/joyously] ·when Christ comes again in glory [^Lat the revelation of his glory]. ¹⁴ When people ·insult [ridicule] you ·because you follow Christ [^Lfor the name of Christ], you are blessed, because the glorious Spirit, the Spirit of God, ·is with [rests on] you [Is. 11:1–2]. ¹⁵ Do not suffer for murder, theft, or any other crime, nor ·because you trouble other people [as a meddler/troublemaker]. ¹⁶ But if you suffer because you are a Christian, do not be ashamed. ·Praise [Glorify] God ·because you wear that name [or because you are called by his name; ^Lin that name]. ¹⁷ [^LFor] It is time for judgment to begin with ·God’s family [^Tthe household of God; 2:4–5]. And if that judging begins with us, what will ·happen to [^Lbe the end for] those people who do not obey the ·Good News [Gospel] of God?

¹⁹ So those who suffer ·as God wants [or because God has allowed it; ^Laccording to the will of God] should trust their souls to the faithful Creator as they continue to do what is ·right [good].

The Flock of God

5 ·Now [^LTherefore] I ·have something to say to [exhort; appeal to] the elders in your group. I also am an elder. I ·have seen [was a witness to] ·Christ’s [or the Messiah’s] sufferings [Matt. 16:13–23; Mark 8:27–33; Luke 9:18–22], and I will share in the glory that will be ·shown [revealed] to us. I ·beg [exhort; urge] you to ² ·shepherd [tend] God’s flock [John 21:15–19], ·for whom you are responsible [which is under your care]. ·Watch over [Oversee] them because you want to, not because you are forced. That is how God wants it. Do it because you are ·happy [eager] to serve, not because ·you want money [of greed]. ³ Do not ·be like a ruler over people [^Tlord it over those; dominate those; Matt. 20:25–27; Mark 10:42–45; Luke 22:25–27] ·you are responsible for [under your care; ^Lthose allotted (to you)], but be good examples to ·them [^Lthe flock]. ⁴ Then when the Chief Shepherd [^CChrist] ·comes [^Lappears], you will get a glorious crown that will never ·lose its beauty [fade away; ^Ccrowns for athletic success made from flowers wilted quickly; 1 Cor. 9:25].

⁵ In the same way, younger people should be willing to ·be under [submit/be subject to] ·older people [or the elders]. And all of you should ·be very humble with each other [^Lclothe yourselves with humility toward one another]. [^LBecause:]

⁶ Be humble [^Ltherefore] under God’s powerful hand so he will ·lift you up [exalt you] ·when the right time comes [in due time]. ⁷ ·Give all your worries to him [Cast all your anxiety on him], because he cares about you.

⁸ ·Control [Discipline] yourselves and be ·careful [alert]! The devil, your enemy, ·goes around [prowls] like a roaring lion looking for someone to ·eat [devour]. ⁹ ·Refuse to give in to [Resist] him, by standing strong in your faith. You know that your ·Christian family [community of believers; ^Lbrotherhood] all over the world is having the same kinds of suffering.

¹⁰ And after you suffer ·for a short time [or a little], God, who gives all grace, will ·make everything right [^Lrestore you]. He will make you strong and support you and keep you from falling. He called you ·to share in his glory in Christ, a glory that will continue forever [^Linto his eternal glory in Christ]. ¹¹ ·All power is his [or To him be the power] forever and ever. Amen.

Final Greetings

¹² I wrote this short letter ·with the help of Silas [^Lthrough Silvanus; ^Ca variant of Silas; he either helped write the letter or carried it], who I know is a faithful brother in Christ. I wrote to ·encourage [exhort] you and to ·tell [testify/witness to] you that this is the true grace of God. Stand strong in that grace.

¹³ ·The church in Babylon [^LShe who is in Babylon; ^C“Babylon” is probably a veiled (and negative) name for Rome], who was chosen like you, sends you greetings. Mark, ·my son in Christ [^Lmy son; ^Cbut probably a spiritual rather than a physical relationship], also greets you. ¹⁴ ·Give each other a kiss of Christian love when you meet [^LGreet one another with a kiss of love].

Peace to all of you who are in Christ.