Read the New Testament in 24 Weeks

⁸ And in fine, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, being lovers of the brotherhood, merciful, modest, humble:

⁹ Not rendering evil for evil, nor railing for railing, but contrariwise, blessing: for unto this are you called, that you may inherit a blessing.

¹⁰ For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile.

¹¹ Let him decline from evil, and do good: let him seek after peace and pursue it:

¹² Because the eyes of the Lord are upon the just, and his ears unto their prayers: but the countenance of the Lord upon them that do evil things.

¹³ And who is he that can hurt you, if you be zealous of good?

¹⁴ But if also you suffer any thing for justice' sake, blessed are ye. And be not afraid of their fear, and be not troubled.

¹⁵ But sanctify the Lord Christ in your hearts, being ready always to satisfy every one that asketh you a reason of that hope which is in you.

¹⁶ But with modesty and fear, having a good conscience: that whereas they speak evil of you, they may be ashamed who falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.

¹⁷ For it is better doing well (if such be the will of God) to suffer, than doing ill.

¹⁸ Because Christ also died once for our sins, the just for the unjust: that he might offer us to God, being put to death indeed in the flesh, but enlivened in the spirit,

¹⁹ In which also coming he preached to those spirits that were in prison:

²⁰ Which had been some time incredulous, when they waited for the patience of God in the days of Noe, when the ark was a building: wherein a few, that is, eight souls, were saved by water.

²¹ Whereunto baptism being of the like form, now saveth you also: not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the examination of a good conscience towards God by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

²² Who is on the right hand of God, swallowing down death, that we might be made heirs of life everlasting: being gone into heaven, the angels and powers and virtues being made subject to him.

4 Christ therefore having suffered in the flesh, be you also armed with the same thought: for he that hath suffered in the flesh, hath ceased from sins:

² That now he may live the rest of his time in the flesh, not after the desires of men, but according to the will of God.

³ For the time past is sufficient to have fulfilled the will of the Gentiles, for them who have walked in riotousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and unlawful worshipping of idols.

⁴ Wherein they think it strange, that you run not with them into the same confusion of riotousness, speaking evil of you.

⁵ Who shall render account to him, who is ready to judge the living and the dead.

⁶ For, for this cause was the gospel preached also to the dead: that they might be judged indeed according to men, in the flesh; but may live according to God, in the Spirit.

⁷ But the end of all is at hand. Be prudent therefore, and watch in prayers.

⁸ But before all things have a constant mutual charity among yourselves: for charity covereth a multitude of sins.

⁹ Using hospitality one towards another, without murmuring,

¹⁰ As every man hath received grace, ministering the same one to another: as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

¹¹ If any man speak, let him speak, as the words of God. If any man minister, let him do it, as of the power, which God administereth: that in all things God may be honoured through Jesus Christ: to whom is glory and empire for ever and ever. Amen.

¹² Dearly beloved, think not strange the burning heat which is to try you, as if some new thing happened to you;

¹³ But if you partake of the sufferings of Christ, rejoice that when his glory shall be revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.

¹⁴ If you be reproached for the name of Christ, you shall be blessed: for that which is of the honour, glory, and power of God, and that which is his Spirit, resteth upon you.

¹⁵ But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or a railer, or a coveter of other men's things.

¹⁶ But if as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.

¹⁷ For the time is, that judgment should begin at the house of God. And if first at us, what shall be the end of them that believe not the gospel of God?

¹⁸ And if the just man shall scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?

¹⁹ Wherefore let them also that suffer according to the will of God, commend their souls in good deeds to the faithful Creator.

5 The ancients therefore that are among you, I beseech, who am myself also an ancient, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ: as also a partaker of that glory which is to be revealed in time to come:

² Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking care of it, not by constraint, but willingly, according to God: not for filthy lucre's sake, but voluntarily:

³ Neither as lording it over the clergy, but being made a pattern of the flock from the heart.

⁴ And when the prince of pastors shall appear, you shall receive a never fading crown of glory.

⁵ In like manner, ye young men, be subject to the ancients. And do you all insinuate humility one to another, for God resisteth the proud, but to the humble he giveth grace.

⁶ Be you humbled therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in the time of visitation:

⁷ Casting all your care upon him, for he hath care of you.

⁸ Be sober and watch: because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, goeth about seeking whom he may devour.

⁹ Whom resist ye, strong in faith: knowing that the same affliction befalls your brethren who are in the world.

¹⁰ But the God of all grace, who hath called us into his eternal glory in Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a little, will himself perfect you, and confirm you, and establish you.

¹¹ To him be glory and empire for ever and ever. Amen.

¹² By Sylvanus, a faithful brother unto you, as I think, I have written briefly: beseeching and testifying that this is the true grace of God, wherein you stand.

¹³ The church that is in Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you: and so doth my son Mark.

¹⁴ Salute one another with a holy kiss. Grace be to all you, who are in Christ Jesus. Amen.