THEREFORE laying aside all malice, and all deceit, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all slanders;
2 As newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, that you may grow in him:
3 If indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.
God’s Spiritual House
4 ¶ And coming to him, as to a living stone; on the one hand, rejected of men; but on the other, elect of God, and precious,
5 You also, as living stones, are built as a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
6 Therefore it is also contained in the scripture: Behold, I lay in Zion the chief corner stone, elect, precious; and he that believes on him will not be put to shame.
7 ¶ To you therefore which believe, he is precious; but to the disobedient, the stone which the builders rejected, the same is made the head of the corner;
8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence: to those which stumble at the word, being disobedient: for which, they were also appointed.
9 ¶ But you are an elect race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession; that you should proclaim the powerful deeds of him who has called you out of the darkness, into his marvellous light;
10 Who in times past were not a people, but are now the people of God; who had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
Living in This World
11 ¶ Dearly beloved I beseech you, as foreigners and pilgrims abstain from fleshly desires, which war against the soul;
12 Let your conduct amongst the Gentiles, be praiseworthy; so that, when they speak against you as evildoers; they may by your good works (which they see); glorify God in the day of visitation.
13 ¶ Submit then to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake; whether it be to the king, as supreme,
14 Or to governors; as they are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of those that do well.
15 Because this is the will of God, that with doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:
16 As freemen; and not using your liberty as a cover for maliciousness, rather use it as the bond-servants of God.
17 Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.
This is Grace
18 ¶ Servants, be subject to your masters in all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the crooked.
19 For if a man, because of conscience toward God endures distress, and suffers unjustly, this is grace!
20 For what credit is it, if, when you are beaten for your sins, you endure it? Rather, if you do right and suffer, and endure it, this is grace from God.
21 For this purpose you were called; since Christ also suffered on our behalf, leaving us an example, that you should follow his steps:
22 ¶ Who did not sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth.
23 Who, when he was insulted, did not insult in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten; but committed himself to him that judges righteously.
24 Who himself on the tree, took up our sins in his own body; so that we, being dead to sins, should live in his righteousness: by whose wounds we are healed.
25 For you were as sheep going astray; but are now turned back to the shepherd and overseer of your souls.