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¹ FORASMUCH then as Christ has suffered for you in the flesh, arm yourselves also with this very thought; he who subdues his body ceases from all sin;² That he should no longer live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.³ For the time past sufficed to have wrought the will of the pagans when you lived in lasciviousness, drunkenness, revellings, indecent singing, and worship of idols.

⁴ And behold, they think it strange that you do not indulge with them in the past excesses, and they blaspheme against you.⁵ And they shall answer to God who is to judge the quick and the dead.⁶ For, for this cause the gospel was preached also to those who are dead: that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, and live according to God in spirit.

⁷ But the end of all things is at hand: be devout therefore, and be mindful of prayer.⁸ And above all things have fervent charity towards one another: because charity covers a multitude of sins.⁹ Be hospitable to strangers without grudging.¹⁰ So let everyone of you according to the gift he has received from God, minister the same to your fellowmen, like good stewards of the manifold grace of God.¹¹ If any man preach, let him preach the word of God; and if any man minister, let him do it according to the ability which God has given him: so that in everything you do, God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs glory and honour for ever and ever. Amen.

¹² My beloved, do not think it strange at the trials that come upon you, as though some strange thing happened to you: because these things are to prove you.¹³ But rejoice, for you are partakers of Christ''s sufferings; and when his glory shall be revealed you may be glad also with exceeding joy.¹⁴ If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you: for the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you.¹⁵ But let none of you suffer the fate of a murderer, or a thief, or a malefactor.¹⁶ If any man suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed: but let him glorify God through that very name.¹⁷ For the time is come that judgment must begin with the house of God: and if it first begins with us, what shall be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?¹⁸ And if the righteous scarcely be saved, how shall the wicked and the sinner stand judgment?¹⁹ Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to him in well doing, as to a faithful Creator.