A Greeting from Peter

(2 Peter 1:1–2)

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,

To [the] elect who are exiles of [the] Dispersion [throughout] Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, [chosen][fn] 2 according to [the] foreknowledge of God [the] Father [and] sanctified by [the] Spirit for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by [His] blood:

Grace and peace be yours in abundance.

A Living Hope

Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By His great mercy [He] vvv has given us new birth[fn] into a living hope through [the] resurrection of Jesus Christ from [the] dead, 4 [and] into an inheritance [that is] imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who through faith [are] shielded by God’s power for [the] salvation [that is] ready to be revealed in [the] last time.

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in various trials 7 so that the proven character of your faith — more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire — may result in praise, honor, and glory[fn] at [the] revelation of Jesus Christ.

vvv [Though] you have not known[fn] [Him], you love [Him]; vvv [and though] you do not see [Him] now, you believe in [Him] and rejoice with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 [now that] you are receiving the goal of your faith, [the] salvation of [your] souls.

Concerning this salvation, [the] prophets who foretold the grace to come to you searched and investigated carefully, 11 trying to determine the time and setting to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories vvv to follow.

It was revealed to [them] that vvv they were not serving themselves, but you,[fn] [when they foretold] the things vvv now announced by those who preached the gospel to you by [the] Holy Spirit sent from heaven. [Even] angels long to look into [these things].

A Call to Holiness

(Hebrews 12:14–17)

Therefore prepare your minds {for action}.[fn] Be sober-minded. Set [your] hope fully on the grace to be given you at [the] revelation of Jesus Christ. 14 As obedient children, vvv do not conform to the passions of your former ignorance. 15 But just as He who called you [is] holy, so be holy in all you do, 16 for it is written:“Be holy, because I am holy.”[fn]

Since you call on [a] Father who judges each one’s work impartially, conduct yourselves in reverent fear during your stay as foreigners. 18 [For] you know that vvv it was not with perishable things [such as] silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life you inherited from your forefathers, 19 but with [the] precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish [or] spot. 20 He was known before [the] foundation of [the] world, but was revealed in the last times for your sake

Through Him [you] believe in God, who raised Him from [the] dead and vvv glorified Him; and so your faith and hope are in God.

The Enduring Word

(Isaiah 40:6–8)

[Since] you have purified your souls by obedience to the truth through the Spirit[fn] so that you have a genuine love for your brothers love one another deeply, from a pure heart.[fn] 23 For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through [the] living and forever enduring word of God. 24 For,

“All flesh [is] like grass,

and all [the] glory of man[fn] like [the] flowers of the field;

the grass withers and the flowers fall,

but the word of [the] Lord stands vvv vvv forever.”[fn]

And this is the word that was proclaimed to you. 2 

The Living Stone and Chosen People

(Isaiah 28:14–22, 1 Corinthians 3:10–15, Ephesians 2:19–22)

Rid yourselves, therefore, {of} all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander. 2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow,[fn] 3 if indeed[fn] you have tasted that the Lord [is] good.

As you come to [Him], [the] living stone, rejected by men but chosen [and] precious in God’s sight, 5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house,[fn] a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For it stands in Scripture:

“See, I lay in Zion a stone,

a chosen [and] precious cornerstone;

and the [one who] believes in Him

vvv vvv will never be put to shame.”[fn]

To you who believe, then, [this stone] is precious. But [to those who] are disobedient,[fn]

“[The] stone the builders rejected

has become vvv the cornerstone,”[fn]

and,

“A stone of stumbling

and a rock of offense.”[fn]

[They] stumble [because] they disobey the word— and to [this] they were appointed.

But you [are] a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for [God’s own] possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. 10 Once [you were] not a people, but now [you are] [the] people of God; [once you] vvv had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.[fn]

Beloved, I urge [you], as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from [the] desires of the flesh, which war against [your] soul. 12 Conduct yourselves with such honor among the Gentiles that, vvv though they slander you as evildoers, they may see [your] good deeds [and] glorify God on [the] day He visits us.

Submission to Authorities

(Romans 13:1–7)

Therefore[fn] submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to [the] king as the supreme [authority], 14 or to governors as those sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right. 15 For it is vvv God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorance of foolish men.

[Live] in freedom, [but] vvv do not use [your] freedom as a cover-up for evil; [live] as servants of God. 17 Treat everyone with high regard Love the brotherhood [of believers],[fn] fear God, honor the king.

Servants, submit yourselves to [your] masters with all respect,[fn] not only to those who [are] good and gentle, but even to those who [are] unreasonable. 19 For if anyone endures the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God, this is to be commended. 20 How is it to your credit if you are beaten for doing wrong and you endure [it]? But if you suffer for doing good [and] you endure [it], this [is] commendable before God.

Christ’s Example of Suffering

(Isaiah 53:1–8)

For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us,[fn] leaving you an example, that you should follow in His footsteps:

“He committed no sin,

[and] no deceit was found in His mouth.”[fn]

vvv When they heaped abuse on Him,

vvv He did not retaliate;

when He suffered, vvv He made no threats,

but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.

[He] Himself bore our sins[fn]

in His body on the tree,

so that we might die to sin

[and] live to righteousness.

“By His stripes you are healed.”[fn]

For“you were like sheep going astray,”[fn] but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your[fn] souls. 3 

Wives and Husbands

(Song of Solomon 1:1–17, Ephesians 5:22–33)

Wives, in the same way, submit yourselves to [your] husbands, so that even if [they] refuse to believe the word, they will be won over without words by the behavior of [their] wives 2 when they see your vvv pure [and] reverent demeanor.

[Your beauty] {should} not come [from] outward adornment, [such as] braided hair or gold [jewelry] or fine clothes, 4 but from the inner disposition of [your] heart, the unfading [ beauty ] of a gentle and quiet[fn] spirit, which is precious in God’s sight. 5 For this is how the holy women of the past adorned themselves. They put their hope in God [and] were submissive to [their] husbands, 6 just as Sarah obeyed Abraham [and] called him lord. [And] you are [her] children if you do what is right and refuse to give way to fear.

Husbands, in the same way, dwell with [your] wives in an understanding manner. Treat them with honor as a delicate vessel and as fellow heirs of [the] gracious gift of life, so that your prayers vvv will not be hindered.

Turning from Evil

vvv vvv Finally, all [of you], [be] like-minded [and] sympathetic, love as brothers, [be] tenderhearted [and] courteous.[fn] 9 vvv Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, knowing that[fn] to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 10 For,

“Whoever would love life

and see good days

must keep his tongue from evil

and his lips [from] deceitful speech.

He must turn from evil and do good;

he must seek peace and pursue it.

For [the] eyes of [the] Lord [are] on [the] righteous,

and His ears are inclined to their prayer.

But [the] face of [the] Lord [is] against

those who do evil.”[fn]

Who can harm you if you are imitators of[fn] what [is] good?

Suffering for Righteousness

But even if you should suffer for what is right, [you are] blessed. vvv Do not fear what they fear; vvv do not be shaken.”[fn] 15 But in your hearts sanctify [the] Lord God.[fn] Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope [that is] in you. But [respond] with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that vvv vvv those who slander you as evildoers[fn] may be put to shame by your good behavior in Christ. 17 For [it is] better, if [it is] God’s will, to suffer [for] doing good than for doing evil.

For Christ also suffered[fn] for sins once for all, [the] righteous for [the] unrighteous, to bring you[fn] to God. He was put to death in [the] body but made alive in [the] Spirit, 19 in whom[fn] vvv He also went [and] preached to the spirits in prison 20 who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in [the] days of Noah [while the] ark was being built.

In [the ark] a few [people], [only] eight souls, were saved through water. 21 And [this water] symbolizes [the] baptism [that] now saves us {also}[fn] — not the removal of dirt from the body, but [the] pledge of[fn] a clear conscience toward God — through [the] resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven [and] is at [the] right hand of God, [with] angels, authorities, and powers subject to Him. 4 

Living for God’s Glory

(1 Corinthians 10:23–33)

Therefore, since Christ suffered for us[fn] in [His] body, arm yourselves with the same resolve, because anyone who has suffered [in his] body is done with sin. 2 Consequently, vvv he does not live out [his] remaining time vvv on earth for human passions, but for [the] will of God. 3 For we [have spent] enough of our past lifetime carrying out the same desires as the Gentiles: living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and detestable idolatry.

Because of this, they consider it strange of you not to plunge with [them] into the same flood of reckless indiscretion, [and] they heap abuse on you. 5 [But they] will have to give an account to Him who is ready to judge [the] living and [the] dead. 6 vvv vvv That is why the gospel was preached even to [those who are now] dead,[fn] so that they might be judged as men in [the] flesh, but live according to God in [the] spirit.

The end of all [things] is near. Therefore be clear-minded and sober, so that you can pray.[fn] 8 Above all, love vvv one another vvv deeply, because love will cover over[fn] a multitude of sins.[fn] 9 Show hospitality to one another without complaining.

As good stewards of [the] manifold grace of God, each [of you] [should use] whatever gift he has received to serve one another. 11 If anyone speaks, [he should speak] as vvv one conveying the words of God. If anyone serves, [he should serve] with [the] strength God provides, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory and the power vvv vvv forever [and] ever.[fn] Amen.

Suffering as Christians

Beloved, {do} not be surprised at the fiery trial that has come upon you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed at the revelation of His glory.

If you are insulted for [the] name of Christ, [you are] blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. Indeed, on their [part] He is blasphemed, but on your [part] He is glorified.[fn] 15 Indeed, vvv [none] of you should suffer as a murderer or thief or wrongdoer, or even as a meddler. 16 But if [you suffer] as a Christian, vvv do not be ashamed, but glorify God in this matter.[fn] 17 For [it is] time [for] judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what [will] the outcome [be] for those who disobey the gospel of God? 18 And,

“If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,

what will become of the ungodly and [the] sinner?”[fn]

So then those who suffer according to God’s will should entrust their souls to [their] faithful Creator and continue to do good. 5 

Instructions to Elders

(1 Timothy 3:1–7, Titus 1:5–9)

[As] a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings, and a partaker of the glory vvv to be revealed, I appeal to [the] elders among you: 2 Be shepherds of God’s flock [that is] among you, watching over them[fn] not out of compulsion, but willingly;[fn] not out of greed, but out of eagerness; 3 not vvv lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4 And [when] the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

Cast Your Cares on Him

Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to [your] elders. And all [of you], clothe yourselves with humility, being subject to one another,[fn] because,

God opposes [the] proud,

but gives grace to [the] humble.”[fn]

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, so that in [due] time He may exalt you. 7 Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.

Be sober-minded [and] alert.[fn] Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking [someone] to devour. 9 Resist [him], [standing] firm in [your] faith [and] in the knowledge that your brothers throughout [the] world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering.

Benediction and Farewell

And [after you] have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ Jesus,[fn] will Himself restore you, secure [you], strengthen [you], [and] establish [you]. 11 To Him [be] the glory and[fn] the power vvv vvv forever [and] ever.[fn] Amen.

Through Silvanus,[fn] [whom] I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging [you] and testifying [that] this is [the] true grace of God. Stand firm in [it].

[The church] in Babylon,[fn] chosen together with [you], sends you greetings [as does] my son Mark.

Greet one another with a kiss of love.

Peace to all of you who [are] in Christ Jesus.[fn] Amen.[fn]