5 Ye also, as living stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by
Jesus Christ. [1]
6 Therefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Zion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.
7 To you therefore who believe he is precious: but to them who are disobedient, the stone which the builders rejected, the same is made the head of the corner, [2]
8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them who stumble at the word, being disobedient: to this also they were appointed.
9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a special people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: [3] [4]
10 Who in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: who had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;
12 Having your behaviour honest among the Gentiles: that, though they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. [5]
13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether to the king, as supreme;
14 Or to governors, as to them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.
15 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:
16 As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. [6]
17 Honour all men . Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king. [7]
18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the perverse.
19 For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endureth grief, suffering wrongfully. [8]
20 For what glory is it, if, when ye are buffeted for your faults, ye bear it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye bear it patiently, this is acceptable with God. [9]
21 For even to this were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: [10]
22 Who committed no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:
23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: [11]
24 Who himself bore our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live to righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. [12]
25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned to the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.
CHAP. 3.
Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the behaviour of the wives;
2 While they behold your chaste behaviour coupled with fear.
3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of arranging the hair, and of wearing gold, or of putting on apparel;
4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
5 For after this manner in former times the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection to their own husbands:
6 Even as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any terror. [13]
7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.
8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one for another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: [14]
9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but on the contrary blessing; knowing that ye are called to this, that ye should inherit a blessing.
10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him restrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:
11 Let him turn away from evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and pursue it.
12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. [15]
13 And who is he that will harm you, if ye are followers of that which is good?
14 But if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye : and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;
15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: [16]
16 Having a good conscience; that, though they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good behaviour in Christ.
17 For it is better, if the will of God
- ↑ are: or, be ye
- ↑ precious: or, an honour
- ↑ peculiar: or, purchased
- ↑ praises: or, virtues
- ↑ whereas: or, wherein
- ↑ using: Gr. having
- ↑ Honour all: or, Esteem all
- ↑ thankworthy: or, thank
- ↑ acceptable: or, thank
- ↑ for us: some read, for you
- ↑ himself: or, his cause
- ↑ on: or, to
- ↑ daughters: Gr. children
- ↑ love as: or, loving to the
- ↑ against: Gr. upon
- ↑ fear: or, reverence
