Study Desk

It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things which have now been announced to you by those who preached the good news to you through the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look.

but as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in all your conduct;

but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.

He was destined before the foundation of the world but was made manifest at the end of the times for your sake.

You have been born anew, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God;

but the word of the Lord abides for ever." That word is the good news which was preached to you.

Come to him, to that living stone, rejected by men but in God's sight chosen and precious;

To you therefore who believe, he is precious, but for those who do not believe, "The very stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner,"

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's own people, that you may declare the wonderful deeds of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

Once you were no people but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy but now you have received mercy.

Live as free men, yet without using your freedom as a pretext for evil; but live as servants of God.

Servants, be submissive to your masters with all respect, not only to the kind and gentle but also to the overbearing.

For what credit is it, if when you do wrong and are beaten for it you take it patiently? But if when you do right and suffer for it you take it patiently, you have God's approval.

When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten; but he trusted to him who judges justly.

For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.

but let it be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable jewel of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious.

Do not return evil for evil or reviling for reviling; but on the contrary bless, for to this you have been called, that you may obtain a blessing.

For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those that do evil."

But even if you do suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled,

but in your hearts reverence Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to make a defense to any one who calls you to account for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and reverence;