1 Peter

Christ the Living Stone

Therefore, abandon all evil, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and every kind of gossip.

Like newborn babies, eagerly crave the pure spiritual milk that will help you grow and reach salvation, 

for you tested the goodness of the Lord. 

He is the living stone rejected by people but chosen by God and precious to him; draw near to him, 

so that you, too, become living stones built into a spiritual temple, a holy community of priests offering spiritual sacrifices that please God through Jesus Christ. 

Scripture states: See, I lay in Zion a chosen and precious cornerstone; whoever believes in him will not be disappointed. 

This is an honor for those who believe, but for unbelievers, the stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone, 

and A stone that causes people to stumble, a rock that makes them fall. They stumble over it, rejecting the word, but this fulfills God’s plan. 

You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation—a people owned by God—to proclaim the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 

At one point, you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

Christian Vocation and the Example of Christ

Beloved, while you are strangers and exiles, I urge you not to indulge in selfish passions that wage war on the soul.

Live a blameless life among the Gentiles; so, when they falsely accuse you of any wrong, they may see your good works and give glory to God on the day he comes to them. 

For the Lord’s sake, respect all human authority: the king as the chief authority, 

the governors, as sent by him to punish evildoers and encourage those who do good.

And God wants you to do good, so that you may silence those fools who ignorantly criticize you. 

As servants of God, live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a license for evil. 

Respect each person, love your brothers and sisters, fear God, and show respect to the emperor. 

Slaves must respect their masters, not only those who are good and understanding, but also those who are difficult. 

There is merit in putting up with unprovoked suffering for the sake of God. 

What merit is there in getting a punishment when you have done wrong? But if you endure punishment when you have done well, that is a grace before God. 

This is your calling: remember Christ, who suffered for you, leaving you an example to follow. 

He did no wrong, and there was no deceit in his mouth. 

He did not return insult for insult, and when suffering, he did not curse but committed himself to the one who judges justly. 

He went to the cross, bearing our sins in his own body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live upright lives. For by his wounds, you have been healed. 

You were like stray sheep, but now you have returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.