1 Peter

Hostility of the World

Given that Christ suffered during his human life, arm yourselves with this certainty: the one who suffers in his body has broken with sin,

so as to spend the rest of your life following the will of God and not human passions. 

You have already spent enough time living like the Gentiles—excessively, indulging in evil passions, drunkenness, orgies, and worshiping idols. 

They now find it strange that you are no longer swept up in this destructive flood and then accuse you of it, 

but they will be accountable to the one who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 

For this is the reason the gospel was proclaimed even to the dead, so that, though they had been judged in the flesh as everyone is judged, they might live in the spirit as God does. 

The end of all things is near; keep your minds calm and sober through prayer. 

Above all, let your love for one another be genuine, for love covers a multitude of sins.

Welcome one another into your homes without complaining. 

Serve one another with the gifts each of you has received, thereby becoming good stewards of God’s varied grace. 

If you speak, do so as one delivering God’s word; if you have a special gift or ministry, let it be seen as God’s power so that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belongs glory and power forever and ever. Amen.

My dear people, do not be surprised at the testing by fire, which is happening among you, as if something strange were happening. 

Instead, you should be glad to share in the sufferings of Christ because, on the day his glory is revealed, you will also rejoice fully. 

You are blessed if you are insulted because of the name of Christ, for the Spirit of glory rests on you. 

But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, a criminal, or an informer; 

but if anyone suffers because of being a Christian, do not consider it shameful; instead, let this bring glory to God.

The time of judgment has arrived, and it begins with God’s household. If it’s beginning so greatly affects us, what will be the outcome for those who refuse to believe in the gospel of God? 

If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will happen to the sinner and unbeliever? 

So then, if you suffer according to God’s will, entrust yourself to the faithful Creator, and continue to do good.