[0] Whoever knows what is right to do and fails to do it, for him it is
sin. [1] Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To the exiles of the Dispersion
in Pontus, Galatia, Cappado'cia, Asia, and Bithyn'ia, [2] chosen and
destined by God the Father and sanctified by the Spirit for obedience to
Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be
multiplied to you. [3] Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus
Christ! By his great mercy we have been born anew to a living hope through
the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, [4] and to an inheritance
which is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, [5]
who by God's power are guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be
revealed in the last time. [6] In this you rejoice, though now for a little
while you may have to suffer various trials, [7] so that the genuineness of
your faith, more precious than gold which though perishable is tested by
fire, may redound to praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus
Christ. [8] Without having seen him you love him; though you do not now see
him you believe in him and rejoice with unutterable and exalted joy. [9] As
the outcome of your faith you obtain the salvation of your souls. [10] The
prophets who prophesied of the grace that was to be yours searched and
inquired about this salvation; [11] they inquired what person or time was
indicated by the Spirit of Christ within them when predicting the
sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glory. [12] 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.
[13] Therefore gird up your minds, be sober, set your hope fully upon the
grace that is coming to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. [14] As
obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former
ignorance, [15] but as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in all
your conduct; [16] since it is written, "You shall be holy, for I am holy."
[17] And if you invoke as Father him who judges each one impartially
according to his deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of
your exile. [18] You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways
inherited from your fathers, not with perishable things such as silver or
gold, [19] but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb
without blemish or spot. [20] He was destined before the foundation of the
world but was made manifest at the end of the times for your sake. [21]
Through him you have confidence in God, who raised him from the dead and
gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God. [22] Having
purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere love of
the brethren, love one another earnestly from the heart. [23] You have been
born anew, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living
and abiding word of God; [24] for "All flesh is like grass and all its
glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls,
[25] but the word of the Lord abides for ever." That word is the good news
which was preached to you.
