FIRST PETER

 

First Peter 2

1 ¶ Therefore putting aside all malice, and all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and slander,

2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that you may grow thereby:

3 Now that you have tasted the kindness of the Lord.

4 ¶ Come to him, as to a living stone, rejected by men, but chosen and precious in the sight of God,

5 You also are being built, as living stones, into a spiritual temple, to be holy priests, who bring spiritual sacrifices, that are acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

6 For in scripture it says, Behold, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone: and he who believes on him will never be put to shame.

7 Now to you who believe he is precious: but for those who do not believe, the stone that the builders rejected, has become the cornerstone,

8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, for those who stumble at the word, being disobedient: which is the end to which they are destined.

9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people valued by God; that you should show forth the praises of him who has called you out of darkness into his marvelous light:

10 Who in the past were not a people, but are now God’s people: who had not received mercy, but have now received mercy.

11 Dear friends, I urge you as strangers and pilgrims in the world, to abstain from fleshly lusts, that war against your soul;

12 Let your conduct among the Gentiles be above reproach: so that, instead of accusing you of doing wrong, they may see the good that you do, and glorify God in the day of visitation.

13 ¶ Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;

14 Or to governors, as those sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of those who do right.

15 For it is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:

16 Live as free men, without using your liberty as an excuse for evil, live as servants of God.

17 Show proper respect to everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.

18 Slaves, be subject to your masters with all respect; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the unreasonable.

19 For if one endures grief, suffering wrongfully, because he is conscious of God, this finds favor.

20 For what credit is there, if, you take it patiently when you are beaten for doing wrong? but if you take it patiently, when you do what is right, and suffer for it, this finds favor with God.

21 For this you have been called: because Christ also suffered on your behalf, leaving us an example, that you should follow his steps:

22 He committed no sin, nor was deceit ever found in his mouth:

23 Who, when he was reviled, did not revile in return; when he suffered, uttered no threats; but committed himself to him who judges righteously:

24 Who himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we, being dead to sin, should live to righteousness: by whose stripes you are healed.

25 For you were like sheep going astray; but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.