Study Desk

Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good?^(u)

But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed.^(v) "Do not fear their threats^[b]; do not be frightened."^[c](w)

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer^(x) to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope^(y) that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

keeping a clear conscience,^(z) so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.^(aa)

For it is better, if it is God's will,^(ab) to suffer for doing good^(ac) than for doing evil.

For Christ also suffered once^(ad) for sins,^(ae) the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.^(af) He was put to death in the body^(ag) but made alive in the Spirit.^(ah)

After being made alive,^[d] he went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits^(ai)—

to those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently^(aj) in the days of Noah while the ark was being built.^(ak) In it only a few people, eight in all,^(al) were saved^(am) through water,

and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you^(an) also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience^(ao) toward God.^[e] It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ,^(ap)

who has gone into heaven^(aq) and is at God's right hand^(ar)—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.^(as)

Living for God

Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body,^(a) arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin.^(b)

As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires,^(c) but rather for the will of God.

For you have spent enough time in the past^(d) doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry.^(e)

They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you.^(f)

But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.^(g)

For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead,^(h) so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.

The end of all things is near.⁽ⁱ⁾ Therefore be alert and of sober mind^(j) so that you may pray.

Above all, love each other deeply,^(k) because love covers over a multitude of sins.^(l)

Offer hospitality^(m) to one another without grumbling.⁽ⁿ⁾

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others,^(o) as faithful^(p) stewards of God's grace in its various forms.

If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God.^(q) If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides,^(r) so that in all things God may be praised^(s) through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.^(t)

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you^(u) to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.

But rejoice^(v) inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ,^(w) so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.^(x)

If you are insulted because of the name of Christ,^(y) you are blessed,^(z) for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.

If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler.

However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.^(aa)

For it is time for judgment to begin with God's household;^(ab) and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?^(ac)

And, "If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?"^[a](ad)

So then, those who suffer according to God's will^(ae) should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

To the Elders and the Flock

To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder^(a) and a witness^(b) of Christ's sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed:^(c)

Be shepherds of God's flock^(d) that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be;^(e) not pursuing dishonest gain,^(f) but eager to serve;

not lording it over^(g) those entrusted to you, but being examples^(h) to the flock.

And when the Chief Shepherd⁽ⁱ⁾ appears, you will receive the crown of glory^(j) that will never fade away.^(k)

In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves^(l) to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility^(m) toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble."^[a](n)

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.^(o)

Cast all your anxiety on him^(p) because he cares for you.^(q)

Be alert and of sober mind.^(r) Your enemy the devil prowls around^(s) like a roaring lion^(t) looking for someone to devour.

Resist him,^(u) standing firm in the faith,^(v) because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.^(w)

And the God of all grace, who called you^(x) to his eternal glory^(y) in Christ, after you have suffered a little while,^(z) will himself restore you and make you strong,^(aa) firm and steadfast.

To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.^(ab)

With the help of Silas,^[b](ac) whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly,^(ad) encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it.^(ae)

She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and so does my son Mark.^(af)

Greet one another with a kiss of love.^(ag) Peace^(ah) to all of you who are in Christ.