\id 1PE - Copyright World Bible Translation Center 1987, 1999, 2006, 2008 
\ide UTF-8
\h 1 Peter 
\toc1 1 Peter 
\toc2 1 Peter 
\mt1 1 Peter 
\c 1  
\p
\v 1 Greetings \w from|strong="G2424"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w*, \w an|strong="G2532"\w* \w apostle|strong="G0652"\w* \w of|strong="G0652"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*. 
\p \w To|strong="G2532"\w* God’s \w chosen|strong="G1588"\w* people \w who|strong="G2532"\w* \w are|strong="G2532"\w* away \w from|strong="G2424"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* homes—people \w scattered|strong="G1290"\w* all over \w the|strong="G2532"\w* areas \w of|strong="G0652"\w* \w Pontus|strong="G4195"\w*, \w Galatia|strong="G1053"\w*, \w Cappadocia|strong="G2587"\w*, \w Asia|strong="G0773"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Bithynia|strong="G0978"\w*. 
\v 2 \w God|strong="G2316"\w* planned long ago \w to|strong="G1519"\w* choose \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* make \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w his|strong="G2532"\w* holy people, \w which|strong="G2424"\w* \w is|strong="G2316"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* Spirit’s \w work|strong="G5485"\w*. \w God|strong="G2316"\w* wanted \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w obey|strong="G5218"\w* \w him|strong="G2532"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* made clean \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w blood|strong="G0129"\w* sacrifice\f + \fr 1:2  \fk made clean … sacrifice \ft Or “sprinkled with the blood,” which probably compares the beginning of the new agreement by the blood sacrifice of Christ (Mark 14:24) with Moses’ sprinkling the blood of animal sacrifices on the people of Israel to seal the agreement God made with them (Exodus 24:3-8). See also Heb. 9:15-26.\f* \w of|strong="G4151"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*. 
\p \w I|strong="G2532"\w* pray \w that|strong="G2316"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w will|strong="G2316"\w* enjoy \w more|strong="G2596"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w more|strong="G2596"\w* \w of|strong="G4151"\w* \w God’s|strong="G2316"\w* \w grace|strong="G5485"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w peace|strong="G1515"\w*. 
\s1 \w A|strong="G2532"\w* Living Hope 
\p
\v 3 Praise \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Father|strong="G3962"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w our|strong="G2316"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*. \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w has|strong="G2316"\w* \w great|strong="G4183"\w* \w mercy|strong="G1656"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w because|strong="G1223"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w his|strong="G0846"\w* \w mercy|strong="G1656"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* gave \w us|strong="G1519"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* new \w life|strong="G2198"\w*. \w This|strong="G3588"\w* new \w life|strong="G2198"\w* \w brings|strong="G1519"\w* \w us|strong="G1519"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w living|strong="G2198"\w* \w hope|strong="G1680"\w* \w through|strong="G1223"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w Christ’s|strong="G5547"\w* \w resurrection|strong="G0386"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w death|strong="G3498"\w*. 
\v 4 \w Now|strong="G2532"\w* \w we|strong="G2532"\w* wait \w to|strong="G1519"\w* receive \w the|strong="G2532"\w* blessings God \w has|strong="G2532"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w his|strong="G5083"\w* children. These blessings \w are|strong="G2532"\w* \w kept|strong="G5083"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w heaven|strong="G3772"\w*. \w They|strong="G2532"\w* cannot \w be|strong="G2532"\w* ruined \w or|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* destroyed \w or|strong="G2532"\w* lose \w their|strong="G2532"\w* beauty. 
\p
\v 5 \w God’s|strong="G2316"\w* \w power|strong="G1411"\w* protects \w you|strong="G1722"\w* \w through|strong="G1223"\w* \w your|strong="G1223"\w* \w faith|strong="G4102"\w*, \w and|strong="G2316"\w* \w it|strong="G1223"\w* keeps \w you|strong="G1722"\w* \w safe|strong="G1722"\w* \w until|strong="G1519"\w* \w your|strong="G1223"\w* \w salvation|strong="G4991"\w* comes. \w That|strong="G2316"\w* \w salvation|strong="G4991"\w* \w is|strong="G2316"\w* \w ready|strong="G2092"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w be|strong="G2316"\w* given \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w you|strong="G1722"\w* \w at|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w end|strong="G1519"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w time|strong="G2540"\w*. 
\v 6 \w I|strong="G3739"\w* know \w the|strong="G1722"\w* thought \w of|strong="G1722"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w is|strong="G3739"\w* exciting, even \w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w* \w must|strong="G1163"\w* \w suffer|strong="G3076"\w* \w through|strong="G1722"\w* different kinds \w of|strong="G1722"\w* troubles \w for|strong="G1722"\w* \w a|strong="G3739"\w* \w short|strong="G3641"\w* \w time|strong="G0737"\w* \w now|strong="G0737"\w*. 
\v 7 \w These|strong="G3588"\w* troubles \w test|strong="G1381"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w faith|strong="G4102"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* prove \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w it|strong="G1223"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* pure. \w And|strong="G2532"\w* such \w faith|strong="G4102"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* worth \w more|strong="G4186"\w* \w than|strong="G2532"\w* \w gold|strong="G5553"\w*. \w Gold|strong="G5553"\w* can \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w proved|strong="G2147"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* pure \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w fire|strong="G4442"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w gold|strong="G5553"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* ruin. \w When|strong="G2532"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w faith|strong="G4102"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* proven \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* pure, \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w result|strong="G1519"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w praise|strong="G1868"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w glory|strong="G1391"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w honor|strong="G5092"\w* \w when|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* \w comes|strong="G2532"\w*. 
\p
\v 8 \w You|strong="G3739"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w seen|strong="G3708"\w* Christ, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* still \w you|strong="G3739"\w* \w love|strong="G0025"\w* \w him|strong="G3739"\w*. \w You|strong="G3739"\w* \w can’t|strong="G3756"\w* \w see|strong="G3708"\w* \w him|strong="G3739"\w* \w now|strong="G1161"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w* \w believe|strong="G4100"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w him|strong="G3739"\w*. \w You|strong="G3739"\w* \w are|strong="G3739"\w* filled \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G3708"\w* wonderful \w and|strong="G2532"\w* heavenly \w joy|strong="G5479"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w cannot|strong="G3756"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* explained. 
\v 9 \w Your|strong="G4102"\w* \w faith|strong="G4102"\w* \w has|strong="G4102"\w* \w a|strong="G5590"\w* \w goal|strong="G5056"\w*, \w and|strong="G4102"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* reaching that \w goal|strong="G5056"\w*—\w your|strong="G4102"\w* \w salvation|strong="G4991"\w*. 
\p
\v 10 \w The|strong="G3588"\w* \w prophets|strong="G4396"\w* studied carefully \w and|strong="G2532"\w* tried \w to|strong="G1519"\w* learn \w about|strong="G4012"\w* \w this|strong="G3588"\w* \w salvation|strong="G4991"\w*. \w They|strong="G3739"\w* spoke \w about|strong="G4012"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w grace|strong="G5485"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w was|strong="G3739"\w* coming \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*. 
\v 11 \w The|strong="G3588"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w of|strong="G4151"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* prophets. \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* telling \w about|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w sufferings|strong="G3804"\w* \w that|strong="G3778"\w* \w would|strong="G5547"\w* \w happen|strong="G1519"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w about|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w glory|strong="G1391"\w* \w that|strong="G3778"\w* \w would|strong="G5547"\w* come \w after|strong="G3326"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w sufferings|strong="G3804"\w*. \w The|strong="G3588"\w* prophets tried \w to|strong="G1519"\w* learn \w about|strong="G1722"\w* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* showing \w them|strong="G0846"\w*—\w when|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G0846"\w* \w would|strong="G5547"\w* \w happen|strong="G1519"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* world \w would|strong="G5547"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w like|strong="G0846"\w* \w at|strong="G1722"\w* \w that|strong="G3778"\w* \w time|strong="G2540"\w*. 
\p
\v 12 \w It|strong="G0846"\w* \w was|strong="G3739"\w* \w made|strong="G0601"\w* clear \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w them|strong="G0846"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w their|strong="G0846"\w* service \w was|strong="G3739"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w themselves|strong="G1438"\w*. \w They|strong="G0846"\w* \w were|strong="G3739"\w* \w serving|strong="G1247"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G0846"\w* \w told|strong="G0312"\w* \w about|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w things|strong="G3739"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w have|strong="G3748"\w* \w now|strong="G1161"\w* heard. \w You|strong="G5210"\w* heard \w them|strong="G0846"\w* \w from|strong="G0575"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w told|strong="G0312"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w Good|strong="G2097"\w* \w News|strong="G2097"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* help \w of|strong="G4151"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w Holy|strong="G0040"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w sent|strong="G0649"\w* \w from|strong="G0575"\w* \w heaven|strong="G3772"\w*. \w Even|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w angels|strong="G0032"\w* \w would|strong="G0846"\w* \w like|strong="G0846"\w* \w very|strong="G0846"\w* much \w to|strong="G1519"\w* know \w more|strong="G3756"\w* \w about|strong="G1722"\w* \w these|strong="G3739"\w* \w things|strong="G3739"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w were|strong="G3739"\w* \w told|strong="G0312"\w*. 
\s1 \w A|strong="G3739"\w* Call \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Holy|strong="G0040"\w* Living 
\p
\v 13 \w So|strong="G1352"\w* \w prepare|strong="G0328"\w* \w your|strong="G1722"\w* \w minds|strong="G1271"\w* \w for|strong="G1909"\w* service. \w With|strong="G1722"\w* complete self-control put \w all|strong="G3588"\w* \w your|strong="G1722"\w* \w hope|strong="G1679"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w grace|strong="G5485"\w* \w that|strong="G1679"\w* \w will|strong="G5547"\w* \w be|strong="G5547"\w* \w yours|strong="G4771"\w* \w when|strong="G1722"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* comes. 
\v 14 \w In|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* past \w you|strong="G5210"\w* did \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w have|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* understanding \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w have|strong="G3588"\w* \w now|strong="G1722"\w*, \w so|strong="G3361"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* did \w the|strong="G3588"\w* evil \w things|strong="G3588"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* wanted \w to|strong="G1722"\w* \w do|strong="G3361"\w*. \w But|strong="G3361"\w* \w now|strong="G1722"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w children|strong="G5043"\w* \w of|strong="G5043"\w* God, \w so|strong="G3361"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* should \w obey|strong="G5218"\w* \w him|strong="G1722"\w* \w and|strong="G1939"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* live \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w way|strong="G1722"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* did \w before|strong="G1722"\w*. 
\v 15 \w Be|strong="G1096"\w* \w holy|strong="G0040"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w everything|strong="G3956"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w do|strong="G1096"\w*, \w just|strong="G2532"\w* \w as|strong="G1722"\w* \w God|strong="G0846"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w holy|strong="G0040"\w*. \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \w one|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* chose \w you|strong="G5210"\w*. 
\v 16 \w In|strong="G1125"\w* \w the|strong="G1510"\w* Scriptures God says, “\w Be|strong="G1510"\w* \w holy|strong="G0040"\w*, \w because|strong="G1360"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w am|strong="G1510"\w* \w holy|strong="G0040"\w*.”\x + \xo 1:16  \xt Quote from Leviticus 11:44, 45; 19:2; 20:7.\x* 
\p
\v 17 \w You|strong="G5210"\w* pray \w to|strong="G2596"\w* \w God|strong="G3962"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w call|strong="G1941"\w* \w him|strong="G2532"\w* \w Father|strong="G3962"\w*, \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w judge|strong="G2919"\w* \w everyone|strong="G1538"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w same|strong="G2532"\w* \w way|strong="G2596"\w*—\w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w what|strong="G3588"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w do|strong="G2919"\w*. \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w while|strong="G1722"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* visiting \w here|strong="G1722"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* earth, \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w should|strong="G2532"\w* \w live|strong="G0390"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w respect|strong="G5401"\w* \w for|strong="G1722"\w* \w God|strong="G3962"\w*. 
\v 18 \w You|strong="G5210"\w* \w know|strong="G1492"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w in|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* past \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w way|strong="G0391"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* living \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w useless|strong="G3152"\w*. \w It|strong="G1537"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w a|strong="G2228"\w* \w way|strong="G0391"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w life|strong="G0391"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* learned \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* lived \w before|strong="G1537"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*. \w But|strong="G5349"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* saved \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w way|strong="G0391"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* living. \w You|strong="G5210"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* bought, \w but|strong="G5349"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w with|strong="G1537"\w* \w things|strong="G3152"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* ruin \w like|strong="G5349"\w* \w gold|strong="G5553"\w* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w silver|strong="G0694"\w*. 
\v 19 \w You|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G2532"\w* bought \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w precious|strong="G5093"\w* \w blood|strong="G0129"\w* \w of|strong="G0129"\w* \w Christ’s|strong="G5547"\w* \w death|strong="G0129"\w*. \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G5547"\w* \w a|strong="G5613"\w* pure \w and|strong="G2532"\w* perfect sacrificial \w Lamb|strong="G0286"\w*. 
\v 20 Christ \w was|strong="G3588"\w* chosen \w before|strong="G4253"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w world|strong="G2889"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w made|strong="G5319"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w shown|strong="G5319"\w* \w to|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w world|strong="G2889"\w* \w in|strong="G1909"\w* \w these|strong="G3588"\w* \w last|strong="G2078"\w* \w times|strong="G5550"\w* \w for|strong="G1223"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*. 
\v 21 \w You|strong="G5210"\w* \w believe|strong="G4103"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w through|strong="G1223"\w* \w Christ|strong="G0846"\w*. \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w one|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w raised|strong="G1453"\w* \w him|strong="G0846"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w death|strong="G3498"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w gave|strong="G1325"\w* \w honor|strong="G1391"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w him|strong="G0846"\w*. \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w faith|strong="G4102"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w hope|strong="G1680"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*. 
\p
\v 22 \w You|strong="G5210"\w* \w have|strong="G3588"\w* made \w yourselves|strong="G4771"\w* \w pure|strong="G0048"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w obeying|strong="G5218"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w truth|strong="G0225"\w*. \w Now|strong="G1722"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* can \w have|strong="G3588"\w* \w true|strong="G0225"\w* \w love|strong="G0025"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w your|strong="G0025"\w* brothers \w and|strong="G2588"\w* sisters. \w So|strong="G1519"\w* \w love|strong="G0025"\w* \w each|strong="G0240"\w* \w other|strong="G0240"\w* deeply—\w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w all|strong="G3588"\w* \w your|strong="G0025"\w* \w heart|strong="G2588"\w*. 
\v 23 \w You|strong="G2532"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G2532"\w* \w born|strong="G0313"\w* \w again|strong="G0313"\w*. \w This|strong="G2532"\w* new \w life|strong="G2198"\w* \w did|strong="G2198"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w come|strong="G1537"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* something \w that|strong="G2316"\w* dies. \w It|strong="G1223"\w* \w came|strong="G1223"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* something \w that|strong="G2316"\w* \w cannot|strong="G3756"\w* \w die|strong="G1223"\w*. \w You|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G2532"\w* \w born|strong="G0313"\w* \w again|strong="G0313"\w* \w through|strong="G1223"\w* \w God’s|strong="G2316"\w* life-giving \w message|strong="G3056"\w* \w that|strong="G2316"\w* lasts forever. 
\v 24 \w The|strong="G3956"\w* Scriptures say, 
\b
\q1 “\w Our|strong="G2532"\w* lives \w are|strong="G3956"\w* \w like|strong="G5613"\w* \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \w grass|strong="G5528"\w* \w of|strong="G1391"\w* spring, 
\q2 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w any|strong="G3956"\w* \w glory|strong="G1391"\w* \w we|strong="G2532"\w* enjoy \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w like|strong="G5613"\w* \w the|strong="G3956"\w* beauty \w of|strong="G1391"\w* \w a|strong="G5613"\w* wildflower. 
\q1 \w The|strong="G3956"\w* \w grass|strong="G5528"\w* \w dries|strong="G3583"\w* up \w and|strong="G2532"\w* dies, 
\q2 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \w flower|strong="G0438"\w* falls \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G3956"\w* ground. 
\q1
\v 25 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w word|strong="G4487"\w* \w of|strong="G2962"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* lasts \w forever|strong="G0165"\w*.” \rq Isaiah 40:6-8\rq* 
\b
\m \w And|strong="G1161"\w* \w that|strong="G3778"\w* \w word|strong="G4487"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w Good|strong="G2097"\w* \w News|strong="G2097"\w* \w that|strong="G3778"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* told \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*. 
\c 2  
\s1 The Living Stone and the Holy Nation 
\p
\v 1 \w So|strong="G3767"\w* \w then|strong="G2532"\w*, stop doing \w anything|strong="G3956"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* hurt \w others|strong="G3956"\w*. Don’t lie anymore, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* stop trying \w to|strong="G2532"\w* fool \w people|strong="G3956"\w*. Don’t \w be|strong="G2532"\w* jealous \w or|strong="G2532"\w* say bad \w things|strong="G3956"\w* \w about|strong="G3956"\w* \w others|strong="G3956"\w*. 
\v 2 \w Like|strong="G5613"\w* \w newborn|strong="G0738"\w* \w babies|strong="G1025"\w* hungry \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w milk|strong="G1051"\w*, \w you|strong="G1722"\w* \w should|strong="G2443"\w* want \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w pure|strong="G0097"\w* teaching \w that|strong="G2443"\w* feeds \w your|strong="G1722"\w* spirit. \w With|strong="G1722"\w* \w it|strong="G0846"\w* \w you|strong="G1722"\w* can \w grow|strong="G0837"\w* \w up|strong="G1519"\w* \w and|strong="G0846"\w* \w be|strong="G1722"\w* saved. 
\v 3 \w You|strong="G1487"\w* \w have|strong="G3748"\w* already \w tasted|strong="G1089"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* goodness \w of|strong="G2962"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*. 
\p
\v 4 \w The|strong="G3739"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2316"\w* Jesus \w is|strong="G2316"\w* \w the|strong="G3739"\w* \w living|strong="G2198"\w* \w stone|strong="G3037"\w*.\f + \fr 2:4  \fk stone \ft The most important stone in God’s spiritual temple or house (his people).\f* \w The|strong="G3739"\w* \w people|strong="G0444"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w the|strong="G3739"\w* world decided \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w they|strong="G3739"\w* \w did|strong="G2198"\w* \w not|strong="G3739"\w* want \w this|strong="G3739"\w* \w stone|strong="G3037"\w*. \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G3739"\w* \w is|strong="G2316"\w* \w the|strong="G3739"\w* \w one|strong="G3739"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* chose \w as|strong="G1161"\w* \w one|strong="G3739"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* great value. \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w come|strong="G4334"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w him|strong="G3739"\w*. 
\v 5 \w You|strong="G2532"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w are|strong="G2532"\w* \w like|strong="G5613"\w* \w living|strong="G2198"\w* \w stones|strong="G3037"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w is|strong="G2316"\w* using \w you|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w build|strong="G3618"\w* \w a|strong="G5613"\w* \w spiritual|strong="G4152"\w* \w house|strong="G3624"\w*.\f + \fr 2:5  \fk house \ft God’s house—the place where God’s people worship him. Here, it means that believers are the spiritual building where God lives.\f* \w You|strong="G2532"\w* \w are|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* serve \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w this|strong="G0846"\w* \w house|strong="G3624"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w holy|strong="G0040"\w* priests, offering \w him|strong="G0846"\w* \w spiritual|strong="G4152"\w* \w sacrifices|strong="G2378"\w* \w that|strong="G0846"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2316"\w* accept \w because|strong="G1223"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*. 
\v 6 \w The|strong="G3588"\w* \w Scriptures|strong="G1124"\w* say, 
\b
\q1 “\w Look|strong="G2400"\w*, \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w chosen|strong="G1588"\w* \w a|strong="G3708"\w* \w cornerstone|strong="G0204"\w* \w of|strong="G1909"\w* \w great|strong="G3756"\w* value, 
\q2 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w put|strong="G5087"\w* \w that|strong="G4100"\w* \w stone|strong="G3037"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Zion|strong="G4622"\w*. 
\q1 \w Anyone|strong="G0846"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* trusts \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w him|strong="G0846"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w never|strong="G3756"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* disappointed.” \rq Isaiah 28:16\rq* 
\b
\m
\v 7 \w So|strong="G3767"\w*, \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w stone|strong="G3037"\w* \w brings|strong="G1519"\w* \w honor|strong="G5092"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w believe|strong="G4100"\w*. \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* don’t \w believe|strong="G4100"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G3778"\w* 
\b
\q1 “\w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w stone|strong="G3037"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w builders|strong="G3618"\w* \w refused|strong="G0569"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* accept, 
\q2 \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w became|strong="G1096"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* most important \w stone|strong="G3037"\w*.” \rq Psalm 118:22\rq* 
\b
\m
\v 8 \w For|strong="G1519"\w* \w them|strong="G3739"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G3739"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* 
\b
\q1 “\w a|strong="G5087"\w* \w stone|strong="G3037"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* makes \w people|strong="G3588"\w* \w stumble|strong="G4350"\w*, 
\q2 \w a|strong="G5087"\w* \w rock|strong="G4073"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* makes \w people|strong="G3588"\w* fall.” \rq Isaiah 8:14\rq* 
\b
\m \w People|strong="G3588"\w* \w stumble|strong="G4350"\w* because \w they|strong="G3739"\w* don’t \w obey|strong="G0544"\w* \w what|strong="G3739"\w* God \w says|strong="G3056"\w*. \w This|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G3739"\w* \w what|strong="G3739"\w* God planned \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w happen|strong="G1519"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w people|strong="G3588"\w*. 
\p
\v 9 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w his|strong="G0846"\w* \w chosen|strong="G1588"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w*, \w the|strong="G3588"\w* King’s priests. \w You|strong="G5210"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w a|strong="G2564"\w* \w holy|strong="G0040"\w* \w nation|strong="G1484"\w*, \w people|strong="G2992"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w belong|strong="G1537"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w God|strong="G0846"\w*. \w He|strong="G0846"\w* chose \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* tell \w about|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* wonderful \w things|strong="G0846"\w* \w he|strong="G0846"\w* \w has|strong="G2992"\w* done. \w He|strong="G0846"\w* \w brought|strong="G1519"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w out|strong="G1537"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w darkness|strong="G4655"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* sin \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w his|strong="G0846"\w* wonderful \w light|strong="G5457"\w*. 
\b
\q1
\v 10 \w In|strong="G2316"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* past \w you|strong="G3739"\w* \w were|strong="G2992"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w a|strong="G3739"\w* special \w people|strong="G2992"\w*, 
\q2 \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w now|strong="G1161"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w* \w are|strong="G3739"\w* \w God’s|strong="G2316"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w*. 
\q1 \w Once|strong="G4218"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w* \w had|strong="G3739"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w received|strong="G1653"\w* \w mercy|strong="G1653"\w*, 
\q2 \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w now|strong="G1161"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w has|strong="G2316"\w* given \w you|strong="G3739"\w* \w his|strong="G3739"\w* \w mercy|strong="G1653"\w*.\f + \fr 2:10  \fk In the past … his mercy \ft See Hosea 2:23.\f* 
\s1 Live \w for|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* 
\p
\v 11 \w Dear|strong="G0027"\w* friends, \w you|strong="G2532"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w like|strong="G5613"\w* visitors \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w strangers|strong="G3927"\w* \w in|strong="G2596"\w* \w this|strong="G3588"\w* world. \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w beg|strong="G3870"\w* \w you|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2596"\w* keep \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w lives|strong="G5590"\w* free \w from|strong="G0568"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* evil \w things|strong="G4559"\w* \w you|strong="G2532"\w* want \w to|strong="G2596"\w* \w do|strong="G2532"\w*, \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w desires|strong="G1939"\w* \w that|strong="G3748"\w* \w fight|strong="G4754"\w* \w against|strong="G2596"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* true selves. 
\v 12 \w People|strong="G1484"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* don’t believe \w are|strong="G3739"\w* \w living|strong="G2192"\w* \w all|strong="G3588"\w* around \w you|strong="G5210"\w*. \w They|strong="G3739"\w* \w may|strong="G2443"\w* say \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w are|strong="G3739"\w* \w doing|strong="G2041"\w* wrong. \w So|strong="G2443"\w* \w live|strong="G2250"\w* \w such|strong="G3739"\w* \w good|strong="G2570"\w* \w lives|strong="G0391"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w they|strong="G3739"\w* \w will|strong="G2316"\w* see \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w good|strong="G2570"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w do|strong="G2192"\w*, \w and|strong="G2316"\w* \w they|strong="G3739"\w* \w will|strong="G2316"\w* give \w glory|strong="G1392"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w* \w he|strong="G3739"\w* comes. 
\s1 Obey Every Human Authority 
\p
\v 13 \w Be|strong="G3956"\w* willing \w to|strong="G5293"\w* serve \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \w people|strong="G3956"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w have|strong="G3956"\w* \w authority|strong="G5242"\w*\f + \fr 2:13  \fk people … authority \ft Literally, “every human creation,” meaning rulers, governors, presidents, or other government leaders.\f* \w in|strong="G3956"\w* \w this|strong="G3588"\w* world. Do \w this|strong="G3588"\w* \w for|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*. Obey \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \w king|strong="G0935"\w*, \w the|strong="G3956"\w* highest \w authority|strong="G5242"\w*. 
\v 14 \w And|strong="G1161"\w* obey \w the|strong="G1223"\w* leaders \w who|strong="G0846"\w* \w are|strong="G0846"\w* \w sent|strong="G3992"\w* \w by|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G1223"\w* king. \w They|strong="G0846"\w* \w are|strong="G0846"\w* \w sent|strong="G3992"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w punish|strong="G1557"\w* \w those|strong="G1161"\w* \w who|strong="G0846"\w* do \w wrong|strong="G1557"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w praise|strong="G1868"\w* \w those|strong="G1161"\w* \w who|strong="G0846"\w* do good. 
\v 15 \w When|strong="G1510"\w* \w you|strong="G3754"\w* \w do|strong="G0015"\w* \w good|strong="G0015"\w*, \w you|strong="G3754"\w* stop ignorant \w people|strong="G0444"\w* \w from|strong="G0444"\w* \w saying|strong="G3754"\w* \w foolish|strong="G0878"\w* \w things|strong="G3588"\w* \w about|strong="G3588"\w* \w you|strong="G3754"\w*. \w This|strong="G3779"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w what|strong="G3588"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w wants|strong="G2307"\w*. 
\v 16 \w Live|strong="G2192"\w* \w like|strong="G5613"\w* \w free|strong="G1658"\w* \w people|strong="G3588"\w*, \w but|strong="G0235"\w* \w don’t|strong="G3361"\w* \w use|strong="G2192"\w* \w your|strong="G2192"\w* \w freedom|strong="G1657"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w an|strong="G2192"\w* excuse \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w do|strong="G2192"\w* \w evil|strong="G2549"\w*. \w Live|strong="G2192"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* serving \w God|strong="G2316"\w*. 
\v 17 Show \w respect|strong="G5399"\w* \w for|strong="G2316"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w people|strong="G3956"\w*. \w Love|strong="G0025"\w* \w your|strong="G0025"\w* brothers \w and|strong="G2316"\w* sisters \w in|strong="G2316"\w* \w God’s|strong="G2316"\w* family. \w Respect|strong="G5399"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*, \w and|strong="G2316"\w* \w honor|strong="G5091"\w* \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \w king|strong="G0935"\w*. 
\s1 \w The|strong="G3956"\w* Example \w of|strong="G2316"\w* Christ’s Suffering 
\p
\v 18 \w Slaves|strong="G3610"\w*, \w be|strong="G2532"\w* willing \w to|strong="G2532"\w* serve \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w masters|strong="G1203"\w*. \w Do|strong="G2532"\w* \w this|strong="G3588"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w respect|strong="G5401"\w*. \w You|strong="G1722"\w* \w should|strong="G2532"\w* obey \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \w masters|strong="G1203"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G3956"\w* \w good|strong="G0018"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w kind|strong="G3956"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G1722"\w* \w should|strong="G2532"\w* obey \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \w masters|strong="G1203"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G3956"\w* bad. 
\v 19 \w One|strong="G5100"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w you|strong="G1487"\w* \w might|strong="G5100"\w* \w have|strong="G5100"\w* \w to|strong="G5100"\w* \w suffer|strong="G3958"\w* \w even|strong="G1063"\w* \w when|strong="G5100"\w* \w you|strong="G1487"\w* \w have|strong="G5100"\w* done nothing wrong. \w If|strong="G1487"\w* \w you|strong="G1487"\w* think \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w and|strong="G2316"\w* bear \w the|strong="G1223"\w* \w pain|strong="G3077"\w*, \w this|strong="G3778"\w* pleases \w God|strong="G2316"\w*. 
\v 20 \w But|strong="G0235"\w* \w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w you|strong="G1487"\w* \w are|strong="G3778"\w* punished \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w doing|strong="G0015"\w* wrong, there \w is|strong="G2316"\w* \w no|strong="G0235"\w* \w reason|strong="G3844"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* praise \w you|strong="G1487"\w* \w for|strong="G1063"\w* bearing \w that|strong="G3778"\w* punishment. \w But|strong="G0235"\w* \w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w you|strong="G1487"\w* \w suffer|strong="G3958"\w* \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w doing|strong="G0015"\w* \w good|strong="G0015"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G1487"\w* \w are|strong="G3778"\w* patient, \w this|strong="G3778"\w* pleases \w God|strong="G2316"\w*. 
\v 21 \w This|strong="G3778"\w* \w is|strong="G3778"\w* \w what|strong="G3588"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w were|strong="G3778"\w* chosen \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w do|strong="G2532"\w*. \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* gave \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w an|strong="G2532"\w* \w example|strong="G5261"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w follow|strong="G1872"\w*. \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w suffered|strong="G3958"\w* \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*. \w So|strong="G2443"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w should|strong="G2443"\w* \w do|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w same|strong="G0846"\w* \w as|strong="G1519"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w did|strong="G2564"\w*: 
\b
\q1
\v 22 “\w He|strong="G0846"\w* \w never|strong="G3756"\w* sinned, 
\q2 \w and|strong="G4160"\w* \w he|strong="G0846"\w* \w never|strong="G3756"\w* told \w a|strong="G4160"\w* lie.” \rq Isaiah 53:9\rq* 
\b
\m
\v 23 \w People|strong="G2919"\w* insulted \w him|strong="G3739"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G3739"\w* \w did|strong="G0486"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* insult \w them|strong="G3739"\w* back. \w He|strong="G3739"\w* \w suffered|strong="G3958"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G3739"\w* \w did|strong="G0486"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* threaten \w anyone|strong="G3739"\w*. \w No|strong="G3756"\w*, \w he|strong="G3739"\w* \w let|strong="G2919"\w* God take care \w of|strong="G3588"\w* \w him|strong="G3739"\w*. God \w is|strong="G3739"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w one|strong="G3739"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w judges|strong="G2919"\w* \w rightly|strong="G1346"\w*. 
\v 24 \w Christ|strong="G0846"\w* carried \w our|strong="G1722"\w* \w sins|strong="G0266"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w his|strong="G0846"\w* \w body|strong="G4983"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w cross|strong="G3586"\w*. \w He|strong="G0846"\w* \w did|strong="G2198"\w* \w this|strong="G3588"\w* \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w would|strong="G0846"\w* stop \w living|strong="G2198"\w* \w for|strong="G1909"\w* \w sin|strong="G0266"\w* \w and|strong="G4983"\w* \w live|strong="G2198"\w* \w for|strong="G1909"\w* \w what|strong="G3739"\w* \w is|strong="G3739"\w* \w right|strong="G1343"\w*. \w By|strong="G1722"\w* \w his|strong="G0846"\w* \w wounds|strong="G3468"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w* \w were|strong="G3739"\w* \w healed|strong="G2390"\w*. 
\v 25 \w You|strong="G5210"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w like|strong="G5613"\w* \w sheep|strong="G4263"\w* \w that|strong="G5613"\w* went \w the|strong="G3588"\w* wrong \w way|strong="G5613"\w*. \w But|strong="G0235"\w* \w now|strong="G3568"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w have|strong="G1510"\w* \w come|strong="G1510"\w* \w back|strong="G1994"\w* \w to|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w Shepherd|strong="G4166"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* Protector \w of|strong="G1909"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w lives|strong="G5590"\w*. 
\c 3  
\s1 Wives and Husbands 
\p
\v 1 \w In|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w same|strong="G3668"\w* \w way|strong="G3668"\w*, \w you|strong="G1487"\w* \w wives|strong="G1135"\w* \w should|strong="G5100"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* willing \w to|strong="G2443"\w* serve \w your|strong="G1487"\w* \w husbands|strong="G0435"\w*. \w Then|strong="G2532"\w*, \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* refused \w to|strong="G2443"\w* accept God’s \w teaching|strong="G3056"\w* \w will|strong="G5100"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* persuaded \w to|strong="G2443"\w* believe \w because|strong="G1223"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w way|strong="G3668"\w* \w you|strong="G1487"\w* \w live|strong="G0391"\w*. \w You|strong="G1487"\w* \w will|strong="G5100"\w* \w not|strong="G2532"\w* need \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w say|strong="G3056"\w* \w anything|strong="G5100"\w*. 
\v 2 \w Your|strong="G1722"\w* husbands \w will|strong="G4771"\w* see \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w pure|strong="G0053"\w* \w lives|strong="G0391"\w* \w that|strong="G1722"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w live|strong="G0391"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w respect|strong="G5401"\w* \w for|strong="G1722"\w* God. 
\v 3 \w It|strong="G3739"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* fancy \w hair|strong="G2359"\w*, \w gold|strong="G5553"\w* \w jewelry|strong="G5553"\w*, \w or|strong="G2228"\w* fine \w clothes|strong="G2440"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w should|strong="G2532"\w* \w make|strong="G3756"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w* beautiful. 
\v 4 \w No|strong="G0235"\w*, \w your|strong="G2532"\w* beauty \w should|strong="G2316"\w* \w come|strong="G1510"\w* \w from|strong="G1722"\w* \w inside|strong="G1722"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w*—\w the|strong="G3588"\w* beauty \w of|strong="G4151"\w* \w a|strong="G1510"\w* \w gentle|strong="G4239"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w quiet|strong="G2272"\w* \w spirit|strong="G4151"\w*. \w That|strong="G3739"\w* beauty \w will|strong="G2316"\w* never disappear. \w It|strong="G3739"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* worth \w very|strong="G2532"\w* much \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*. 
\p
\v 5 \w It|strong="G3779"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w same|strong="G3779"\w* \w with|strong="G2316"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w holy|strong="G0040"\w* \w women|strong="G1135"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* lived long ago \w and|strong="G2532"\w* followed \w God|strong="G2316"\w*. \w They|strong="G2532"\w* made \w themselves|strong="G1438"\w* beautiful \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w that|strong="G2316"\w* \w same|strong="G3779"\w* \w way|strong="G3779"\w*. \w They|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* willing \w to|strong="G1519"\w* serve \w their|strong="G1438"\w* \w husbands|strong="G0435"\w*. 
\v 6 \w I|strong="G3739"\w* \w am|strong="G5399"\w* talking \w about|strong="G5613"\w* \w women|strong="G0846"\w* \w like|strong="G5613"\w* \w Sarah|strong="G4564"\w*. \w She|strong="G0846"\w* \w obeyed|strong="G5219"\w* \w Abraham|strong="G0011"\w*, \w her|strong="G0846"\w* husband, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w called|strong="G2564"\w* \w him|strong="G0846"\w* \w her|strong="G0846"\w* \w master|strong="G2962"\w*. \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w* \w women|strong="G0846"\w* \w are|strong="G3739"\w* true \w children|strong="G5043"\w* \w of|strong="G2962"\w* \w Sarah|strong="G4564"\w* \w if|strong="G5613"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w* always \w do|strong="G1096"\w* \w what|strong="G3739"\w* \w is|strong="G3739"\w* \w right|strong="G0015"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w are|strong="G3739"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w afraid|strong="G5399"\w*. 
\p
\v 7 \w In|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w same|strong="G3668"\w* \w way|strong="G3668"\w*, \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w husbands|strong="G0435"\w* \w should|strong="G2532"\w* live \w with|strong="G2596"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* wives \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w an|strong="G2532"\w* \w understanding|strong="G1108"\w* \w way|strong="G3668"\w*, \w since|strong="G5613"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w weaker|strong="G0772"\w* \w than|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*. \w You|strong="G5210"\w* \w should|strong="G2532"\w* \w show|strong="G0632"\w* \w them|strong="G2596"\w* \w respect|strong="G5092"\w*, \w because|strong="G2596"\w* God gives \w them|strong="G2596"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w same|strong="G3668"\w* \w blessing|strong="G5485"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* gives \w you|strong="G5210"\w*—\w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w grace|strong="G5485"\w* \w of|strong="G5485"\w* true \w life|strong="G2222"\w*. \w Do|strong="G3361"\w* \w this|strong="G3588"\w* \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G5613"\w* \w nothing|strong="G3361"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w stop|strong="G3361"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w prayers|strong="G4335"\w* \w from|strong="G2596"\w* \w being|strong="G4771"\w* heard. 
\s1 Suffering \w for|strong="G1519"\w* Doing \w Right|strong="G1519"\w* 
\p
\v 8 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w of|strong="G3956"\w* \w you|strong="G3956"\w* should live together \w in|strong="G3956"\w* peace. Try \w to|strong="G3956"\w* understand each \w other|strong="G1161"\w*. Love each \w other|strong="G1161"\w* like brothers \w and|strong="G1161"\w* sisters. \w Be|strong="G3956"\w* \w kind|strong="G3956"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* humble. 
\v 9 \w Don’t|strong="G3361"\w* \w do|strong="G3361"\w* \w wrong|strong="G2556"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* anyone \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w pay|strong="G0591"\w* \w them|strong="G2564"\w* \w back|strong="G0591"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* doing \w wrong|strong="G2556"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w you|strong="G3754"\w*. \w Or|strong="G2228"\w* \w don’t|strong="G3361"\w* \w insult|strong="G3059"\w* anyone \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w pay|strong="G0591"\w* \w them|strong="G2564"\w* \w back|strong="G0591"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* insulting \w you|strong="G3754"\w*. \w But|strong="G1161"\w* ask God \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w bless|strong="G2127"\w* \w them|strong="G2564"\w*. \w Do|strong="G3361"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w you|strong="G3754"\w* yourselves \w were|strong="G3778"\w* chosen \w to|strong="G1519"\w* receive \w a|strong="G2228"\w* \w blessing|strong="G2129"\w*. 
\v 10 \w The|strong="G3588"\w* Scriptures \w say|strong="G2980"\w*, 
\b
\q1 “\w If|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G3708"\w* \w want|strong="G2309"\w* \w to|strong="G2309"\w* enjoy true \w life|strong="G2222"\w* 
\q2 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w only|strong="G2532"\w* \w good|strong="G0018"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w*, 
\q1 \w then|strong="G2532"\w* avoid \w saying|strong="G2980"\w* \w anything|strong="G3708"\w* hurtful, 
\q2 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w never|strong="G3361"\w* let \w a|strong="G3708"\w* lie come \w out|strong="G0575"\w* \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w your|strong="G0025"\w* mouth. 
\q1
\v 11 Stop \w doing|strong="G4160"\w* \w what|strong="G0018"\w* \w is|strong="G0018"\w* \w wrong|strong="G2556"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w good|strong="G0018"\w*. 
\q2 Look \w for|strong="G2212"\w* \w peace|strong="G1515"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w* all \w you|strong="G4160"\w* \w can|strong="G4160"\w* \w to|strong="G2212"\w* help \w people|strong="G0846"\w* live peacefully. 
\q1
\v 12 \w The|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* watches \w over|strong="G1909"\w* \w those|strong="G1161"\w* \w who|strong="G3748"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w what|strong="G2556"\w* \w is|strong="G2962"\w* \w right|strong="G1342"\w*, 
\q2 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* listens \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w their|strong="G0846"\w* \w prayers|strong="G1162"\w*. 
\q1 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G2962"\w* \w against|strong="G1909"\w* \w those|strong="G1161"\w* \w who|strong="G3748"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w evil|strong="G2556"\w*.” \rq Psalm 34:12-16\rq* 
\b
\p
\v 13 \w If|strong="G1437"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* always trying \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w do|strong="G1096"\w* \w good|strong="G0018"\w*, no \w one|strong="G3588"\w* can really \w harm|strong="G2559"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*. 
\v 14 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w you|strong="G1487"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w suffer|strong="G3958"\w* \w for|strong="G1223"\w* doing \w right|strong="G1343"\w*. \w If|strong="G1487"\w* \w that|strong="G0846"\w* happens, \w you|strong="G1487"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w God’s|strong="G0846"\w* blessing. “\w Don’t|strong="G3361"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w afraid|strong="G5399"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w people|strong="G0846"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w make|strong="G3361"\w* \w you|strong="G1487"\w* \w suffer|strong="G3958"\w*; \w don’t|strong="G3361"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* worried.”\x + \xo 3:14  \xt Quote from Isaiah 8:12.\x* 
\v 15 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w keep|strong="G0037"\w* \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* \w holy|strong="G0037"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w your|strong="G2962"\w* \w hearts|strong="G2588"\w*. \w Always|strong="G0104"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w ready|strong="G2092"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w answer|strong="G3056"\w* \w everyone|strong="G3956"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w asks|strong="G0154"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* explain \w about|strong="G4012"\w* \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \w hope|strong="G1680"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w*. 
\v 16 \w But|strong="G0235"\w* answer \w them|strong="G1722"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* gentle \w way|strong="G1722"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w respect|strong="G5401"\w*. \w Keep|strong="G2192"\w* \w your|strong="G2192"\w* \w conscience|strong="G4893"\w* clear. \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w people|strong="G3588"\w* \w will|strong="G3739"\w* see \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w good|strong="G0018"\w* \w way|strong="G1722"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w live|strong="G2192"\w* \w as|strong="G1722"\w* followers \w of|strong="G1722"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* say bad \w things|strong="G3739"\w* \w about|strong="G1722"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w will|strong="G3739"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* ashamed \w of|strong="G1722"\w* \w what|strong="G3739"\w* \w they|strong="G3739"\w* \w said|strong="G2532"\w*. 
\p
\v 17 It \w is|strong="G2316"\w* \w better|strong="G2909"\w* \w to|strong="G2309"\w* \w suffer|strong="G3958"\w* \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w doing|strong="G0015"\w* \w good|strong="G0015"\w* \w than|strong="G2228"\w* \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w doing|strong="G0015"\w* \w wrong|strong="G2554"\w*. \w Yes|strong="G1063"\w*, it \w is|strong="G2316"\w* \w better|strong="G2909"\w* \w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w that|strong="G2316"\w* \w is|strong="G2316"\w* \w what|strong="G3588"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w wants|strong="G2309"\w*. 
\b
\q1
\v 18 \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* himself \w suffered|strong="G0599"\w* \w when|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w died|strong="G0599"\w* \w for|strong="G3754"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, 
\q2 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w with|strong="G2316"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w one|strong="G3588"\w* \w death|strong="G2289"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* paid \w for|strong="G3754"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w sins|strong="G0266"\w*. 
\q1 \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w not|strong="G2532"\w* guilty, 
\q2 \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w died|strong="G0599"\w* \w for|strong="G3754"\w* \w people|strong="G4561"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* guilty. 
\q2 \w He|strong="G2532"\w* did \w this|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w bring|strong="G4317"\w* \w all|strong="G3588"\w* \w of|strong="G4151"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*. 
\q1 \w In|strong="G2316"\w* \w his|strong="G4012"\w* \w physical|strong="G4561"\w* form \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* killed, 
\q2 \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w made|strong="G2227"\w* \w alive|strong="G2227"\w* \w by|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w*.\f + \fr 3:18  \fk by the Spirit \ft Or “in the spirit.” Also in verse 19.\f* 
\b
\m
\v 19 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G4198"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w preached|strong="G2784"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w spirits|strong="G4151"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w prison|strong="G5438"\w*. 
\v 20 \w Those|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* spirits \w who|strong="G3739"\w* refused \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w obey|strong="G0544"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w long|strong="G2250"\w* ago \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w time|strong="G2250"\w* \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w Noah|strong="G3575"\w*. \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w waiting|strong="G0553"\w* \w patiently|strong="G3115"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w people|strong="G5590"\w* \w while|strong="G1722"\w* \w Noah|strong="G3575"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* building \w the|strong="G3588"\w* big boat. \w And|strong="G2316"\w* only \w a|strong="G1510"\w* \w few|strong="G3641"\w*—\w eight|strong="G3638"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w all|strong="G3588"\w*—\w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w saved|strong="G1295"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* boat \w through|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* floodwater. 
\v 21 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* water \w is|strong="G2316"\w* like \w baptism|strong="G0908"\w*, \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w now|strong="G3568"\w* \w saves|strong="G4982"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*. \w Baptism|strong="G0908"\w* \w is|strong="G2316"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* washing \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w dirt|strong="G4509"\w* \w from|strong="G2424"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w body|strong="G4561"\w*. \w It|strong="G1223"\w* \w is|strong="G2316"\w* asking \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w a|strong="G3739"\w* clean \w conscience|strong="G4893"\w*. \w It|strong="G1223"\w* \w saves|strong="G4982"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w because|strong="G1223"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* \w was|strong="G2424"\w* raised \w from|strong="G2424"\w* death. 
\v 22 \w Now|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w has|strong="G2316"\w* \w gone|strong="G4198"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w heaven|strong="G3772"\w*. \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w at|strong="G1722"\w* \w God’s|strong="G2316"\w* \w right|strong="G1188"\w* side \w and|strong="G2532"\w* rules \w over|strong="G1849"\w* \w angels|strong="G0032"\w*, \w authorities|strong="G1849"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w powers|strong="G1411"\w*. 
\c 4  
\s1 Changed Lives 
\p
\v 1 \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* \w suffered|strong="G3958"\w* \w while|strong="G0846"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w his|strong="G0846"\w* \w body|strong="G4561"\w*. \w So|strong="G3767"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w should|strong="G2532"\w* strengthen \w yourselves|strong="G0846"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w same|strong="G0846"\w* kind \w of|strong="G4561"\w* thinking \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* \w had|strong="G3748"\w*. \w The|strong="G3588"\w* \w one|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* accepts \w suffering|strong="G3958"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w this|strong="G3588"\w* \w life|strong="G4561"\w* \w has|strong="G5547"\w* clearly decided \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w stop|strong="G3973"\w* sinning. 
\v 2 Strengthen \w yourselves|strong="G1722"\w* \w so|strong="G1519"\w* \w that|strong="G2316"\w* \w you|strong="G1722"\w* \w will|strong="G2307"\w* \w live|strong="G0980"\w* \w your|strong="G1722"\w* lives \w here|strong="G1519"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w earth|strong="G4561"\w* doing \w what|strong="G3588"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w wants|strong="G2307"\w*, \w not|strong="G3371"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* evil \w things|strong="G3588"\w* \w that|strong="G2316"\w* \w people|strong="G0444"\w* \w want|strong="G2307"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* do. 
\v 3 \w In|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w past|strong="G3928"\w* \w you|strong="G1722"\w* wasted \w too|strong="G2532"\w* much \w time|strong="G5550"\w* \w doing|strong="G2716"\w* \w what|strong="G3588"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* don’t know God like \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w do|strong="G2532"\w*. \w You|strong="G1722"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* living immoral lives, \w doing|strong="G2716"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* evil \w things|strong="G3588"\w* \w you|strong="G1722"\w* wanted \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w do|strong="G2532"\w*. \w You|strong="G1722"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* always getting drunk, having wild \w drinking|strong="G4224"\w* \w parties|strong="G4224"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w doing|strong="G2716"\w* shameful \w things|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* worship \w of|strong="G1722"\w* idols. 
\p
\v 4 \w Now|strong="G1722"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* “friends” think \w it|strong="G0846"\w* \w is|strong="G3739"\w* \w strange|strong="G3579"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w no|strong="G3361"\w* \w longer|strong="G3361"\w* join \w them|strong="G0846"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w all|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* wild \w and|strong="G0846"\w* wasteful \w things|strong="G3739"\w* \w they|strong="G0846"\w* \w do|strong="G3361"\w*. \w And|strong="G0846"\w* \w so|strong="G1519"\w* \w they|strong="G0846"\w* say bad \w things|strong="G3739"\w* \w about|strong="G1722"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*. 
\v 5 \w But|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G3739"\w* \w will|strong="G3739"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* face God \w to|strong="G2532"\w* explain \w what|strong="G3739"\w* \w they|strong="G3739"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* done. \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G3739"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w one|strong="G3739"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w will|strong="G3739"\w* soon \w judge|strong="G2919"\w* \w everyone|strong="G3739"\w*—\w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w are|strong="G3739"\w* still \w living|strong="G2198"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* died. 
\v 6 \w Some|strong="G3303"\w* \w were|strong="G3778"\w* told \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Good|strong="G2097"\w* \w News|strong="G2097"\w* \w before|strong="G1519"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* died. \w They|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3778"\w* criticized \w by|strong="G2596"\w* \w others|strong="G0444"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w life|strong="G2198"\w* \w here|strong="G1519"\w* \w on|strong="G1519"\w* \w earth|strong="G4561"\w*. \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w it|strong="G1161"\w* \w was|strong="G0444"\w* \w God’s|strong="G2316"\w* plan \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* hear \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Good|strong="G2097"\w* \w News|strong="G2097"\w* \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* could \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* new \w life|strong="G2198"\w* \w through|strong="G2596"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w*.\f + \fr 4:6  \fk through the Spirit \ft Or “in the spirit,” meaning in the spiritual or heavenly realm.\f* 
\s1 \w Be|strong="G2532"\w* \w Good|strong="G2097"\w* Managers \w of|strong="G4151"\w* \w God’s|strong="G2316"\w* Gifts 
\p
\v 7 \w The|strong="G3956"\w* time \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w near|strong="G1448"\w* \w when|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w* \w will|strong="G3956"\w* \w end|strong="G5056"\w*. \w So|strong="G3767"\w* \w keep|strong="G3525"\w* \w your|strong="G3956"\w* minds clear, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* control yourselves. \w This|strong="G3588"\w* \w will|strong="G3956"\w* help \w you|strong="G3956"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w your|strong="G3956"\w* \w prayers|strong="G4335"\w*. 
\v 8 Most important \w of|strong="G0026"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w*, \w love|strong="G0026"\w* \w each|strong="G1438"\w* \w other|strong="G1438"\w* deeply, \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w love|strong="G0026"\w* makes \w you|strong="G3754"\w* willing \w to|strong="G1519"\w* forgive many \w sins|strong="G0266"\w*. 
\v 9 Open your homes \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w each|strong="G0240"\w* \w other|strong="G0240"\w* \w and|strong="G0240"\w* share your food \w without|strong="G0427"\w* \w complaining|strong="G1112"\w*. 
\v 10 \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w has|strong="G2316"\w* shown \w you|strong="G1438"\w* \w his|strong="G0846"\w* \w grace|strong="G5485"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* many different ways. \w So|strong="G1519"\w* \w be|strong="G2316"\w* \w good|strong="G2570"\w* servants \w and|strong="G2316"\w* use whatever \w gift|strong="G5486"\w* \w he|strong="G0846"\w* \w has|strong="G2316"\w* \w given|strong="G1247"\w* \w you|strong="G1438"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w a|strong="G5613"\w* \w way|strong="G5613"\w* \w that|strong="G0846"\w* \w will|strong="G2316"\w* best \w serve|strong="G1247"\w* \w each|strong="G1538"\w* \w other|strong="G1438"\w*. 
\v 11 \w If|strong="G1487"\w* \w your|strong="G1392"\w* gift \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w speaking|strong="G2980"\w*, \w your|strong="G1392"\w* \w words|strong="G3051"\w* \w should|strong="G5100"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w like|strong="G5613"\w* \w words|strong="G3051"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*. \w If|strong="G1487"\w* \w your|strong="G1392"\w* gift \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w serving|strong="G1247"\w*, \w you|strong="G3739"\w* \w should|strong="G5100"\w* \w serve|strong="G1247"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \w strength|strong="G2479"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w gives|strong="G1223"\w*. \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G1223"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w will|strong="G2316"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w praised|strong="G1392"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w everything|strong="G3956"\w* \w through|strong="G1223"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*. \w Power|strong="G2904"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w glory|strong="G1391"\w* \w belong|strong="G1510"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w him|strong="G3739"\w* \w forever|strong="G0165"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w ever|strong="G0165"\w*. \w Amen|strong="G0281"\w*. 
\s1 \w Suffering|strong="G1722"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w a|strong="G5613"\w* Follower \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* 
\p
\v 12 \w My|strong="G1722"\w* friends, \w don’t|strong="G3361"\w* \w be|strong="G1096"\w* \w surprised|strong="G3579"\w* \w at|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w painful|strong="G1722"\w* \w things|strong="G3588"\w* \w that|strong="G1096"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w now|strong="G1096"\w* \w suffering|strong="G1722"\w*, \w which|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w testing|strong="G3986"\w* \w your|strong="G1722"\w* faith. \w Don’t|strong="G3361"\w* think \w that|strong="G1096"\w* something \w strange|strong="G3581"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w happening|strong="G1096"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*. 
\v 13 \w But|strong="G0235"\w* \w you|strong="G1722"\w* \w should|strong="G2443"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* happy \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w you|strong="G1722"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* sharing \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Christ’s|strong="G5547"\w* \w sufferings|strong="G3804"\w*. \w You|strong="G1722"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* happy \w and|strong="G2532"\w* full \w of|strong="G1391"\w* \w joy|strong="G5463"\w* \w when|strong="G2532"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* shows \w his|strong="G0846"\w* \w glory|strong="G1391"\w*. 
\v 14 \w When|strong="G2532"\w* \w people|strong="G3588"\w* say bad \w things|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G1909"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* follow \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*, consider \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G1487"\w* blessing. \w When|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* happens, \w it|strong="G2532"\w* shows \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w God’s|strong="G2316"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w*, \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w of|strong="G4151"\w* \w glory|strong="G1391"\w*, \w is|strong="G2316"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*. 
\v 15 \w You|strong="G5210"\w* \w may|strong="G5100"\w* \w suffer|strong="G3958"\w*, \w but|strong="G1063"\w* \w don’t|strong="G3361"\w* \w let|strong="G2228"\w* it \w be|strong="G5100"\w* \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* murder, steal, \w make|strong="G3361"\w* trouble, \w or|strong="G2228"\w* try \w to|strong="G5100"\w* control \w other|strong="G2228"\w* people’s lives. 
\v 16 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w you|strong="G1487"\w* suffer \w because|strong="G1722"\w* \w you|strong="G1487"\w* \w are|strong="G3778"\w* \w a|strong="G5613"\w* “Christ-follower,” \w don’t|strong="G3361"\w* \w be|strong="G2316"\w* \w ashamed|strong="G0153"\w*. \w You|strong="G1487"\w* \w should|strong="G2316"\w* \w praise|strong="G1392"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w for|strong="G1722"\w* \w that|strong="G3778"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w*. 
\v 17 \w It|strong="G1161"\w* \w is|strong="G2316"\w* \w time|strong="G2540"\w* \w for|strong="G3754"\w* judging \w to|strong="G0757"\w* \w begin|strong="G0757"\w*. \w That|strong="G3754"\w* judging \w will|strong="G2316"\w* \w begin|strong="G0757"\w* \w with|strong="G2316"\w* \w God’s|strong="G2316"\w* \w family|strong="G3624"\w*. \w If|strong="G1487"\w* \w it|strong="G1161"\w* \w begins|strong="G0757"\w* \w with|strong="G2316"\w* us, \w then|strong="G1161"\w* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w will|strong="G2316"\w* happen \w to|strong="G0757"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* don’t accept \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w Good|strong="G2098"\w* \w News|strong="G2098"\w* \w of|strong="G0575"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*? 
\b
\q1
\v 18 “\w If|strong="G1487"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* hard \w for|strong="G2532"\w* \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G1487"\w* good \w person|strong="G1342"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w saved|strong="G4982"\w*, 
\q2 \w what|strong="G3588"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* happen \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w one|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* against God \w and|strong="G2532"\w* full \w of|strong="G3588"\w* sin?” \rq Proverbs 11:31 (Greek version)\rq* 
\b
\m
\v 19 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w if|strong="G2532"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w wants|strong="G2307"\w* \w you|strong="G1722"\w* \w to|strong="G2596"\w* \w suffer|strong="G3958"\w*, \w you|strong="G1722"\w* \w should|strong="G2316"\w* trust \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w lives|strong="G5590"\w* \w to|strong="G2596"\w* \w him|strong="G0846"\w*. \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G2316"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w one|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* made \w you|strong="G1722"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G1722"\w* can trust \w him|strong="G0846"\w*. \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w continue|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2596"\w* \w do|strong="G2532"\w* good. 
\c 5  
\s1 The Flock of God 
\p
\v 1 \w Now|strong="G2532"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* something \w to|strong="G3195"\w* say \w to|strong="G3195"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w elders|strong="G4245"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* group. \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w am|strong="G3195"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w an|strong="G2532"\w* \w elder|strong="G4245"\w*. \w I|strong="G2532"\w* myself \w have|strong="G2532"\w* seen \w Christ’s|strong="G5547"\w* \w sufferings|strong="G3804"\w*. \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G3195"\w* \w share|strong="G2844"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w glory|strong="G1391"\w* \w that|strong="G3767"\w* \w will|strong="G3195"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* shown \w to|strong="G3195"\w* \w us|strong="G1722"\w*. \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w beg|strong="G3870"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w to|strong="G3195"\w* 
\v 2 take care \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* group \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w people|strong="G3588"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* responsible \w for|strong="G1722"\w*. \w They|strong="G1722"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w God’s|strong="G2316"\w* \w flock|strong="G4168"\w*.\f + \fr 5:2  \fk God’s flock \ft God’s people. They are like a flock of sheep that need to be cared for.\f* Watch \w over|strong="G2596"\w* \w that|strong="G2316"\w* \w flock|strong="G4168"\w* \w because|strong="G1722"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* want \w to|strong="G2596"\w*, \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w because|strong="G1722"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* forced \w to|strong="G2596"\w* \w do|strong="G3361"\w* it. \w That|strong="G2316"\w* \w is|strong="G2316"\w* how \w God|strong="G2316"\w* wants it. \w Do|strong="G3361"\w* it \w because|strong="G1722"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* happy \w to|strong="G2596"\w* serve, \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w because|strong="G1722"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* want money. 
\v 3 Don’t \w be|strong="G1096"\w* \w like|strong="G5613"\w* \w a|strong="G5613"\w* ruler over \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w you|strong="G5613"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* responsible \w for|strong="G1096"\w*. \w But|strong="G0235"\w* \w be|strong="G1096"\w* good \w examples|strong="G5179"\w* \w to|strong="G1096"\w* them. 
\v 4 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w when|strong="G2532"\w* Christ \w the|strong="G3588"\w* Ruling \w Shepherd|strong="G0750"\w* \w comes|strong="G2532"\w*, \w you|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* get \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w crown|strong="G4735"\w*—\w one|strong="G3588"\w* \w that|strong="G1391"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w glorious|strong="G1391"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* never lose its beauty. 
\p
\v 5 \w Young|strong="G3501"\w* \w people|strong="G3956"\w*, \w I|strong="G3754"\w* \w have|strong="G3748"\w* something \w to|strong="G1325"\w* say \w to|strong="G1325"\w* \w you|strong="G3754"\w* too. \w You|strong="G3754"\w* \w should|strong="G2316"\w* accept \w the|strong="G3956"\w* authority \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \w elders|strong="G4245"\w*. \w You|strong="G3754"\w* \w should|strong="G2316"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w have|strong="G3748"\w* \w a|strong="G1325"\w* \w humble|strong="G5011"\w* attitude \w in|strong="G2316"\w* \w dealing|strong="G1325"\w* \w with|strong="G2316"\w* \w each|strong="G0240"\w* \w other|strong="G1161"\w*. 
\b
\q1 “\w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w is|strong="G2316"\w* against \w the|strong="G3956"\w* proud, 
\q2 \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G3754"\w* \w is|strong="G2316"\w* \w kind|strong="G3956"\w* \w to|strong="G1325"\w* \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \w humble|strong="G5011"\w*.” \rq Proverbs 3:34\rq* 
\b
\m
\v 6 \w So|strong="G2443"\w* \w be|strong="G2316"\w* \w humble|strong="G5013"\w* \w under|strong="G5259"\w* \w God’s|strong="G2316"\w* powerful \w hand|strong="G5495"\w*. \w Then|strong="G3767"\w* \w he|strong="G3767"\w* \w will|strong="G2316"\w* \w lift|strong="G5312"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* up \w when|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w right|strong="G2540"\w* \w time|strong="G2540"\w* comes. 
\v 7 Give \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w your|strong="G3956"\w* \w worries|strong="G3308"\w* \w to|strong="G1909"\w* \w him|strong="G0846"\w*, \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w he|strong="G0846"\w* \w cares|strong="G3199"\w* \w for|strong="G3754"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*. 
\p
\v 8 Control \w yourselves|strong="G4771"\w* \w and|strong="G4043"\w* be careful! \w The|strong="G3588"\w* \w devil|strong="G1228"\w* \w is|strong="G5101"\w* \w your|strong="G3588"\w* \w enemy|strong="G0476"\w*, \w and|strong="G4043"\w* \w he|strong="G5613"\w* goes \w around|strong="G4043"\w* \w like|strong="G5613"\w* \w a|strong="G5613"\w* \w roaring|strong="G5612"\w* \w lion|strong="G3023"\w* \w looking|strong="G2212"\w* \w for|strong="G2212"\w* \w someone|strong="G2666"\w* \w to|strong="G2212"\w* attack \w and|strong="G4043"\w* eat. 
\v 9 Refuse \w to|strong="G1722"\w* follow \w the|strong="G3588"\w* devil. Stand \w strong|strong="G4731"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w your|strong="G1722"\w* \w faith|strong="G4102"\w*. \w You|strong="G5210"\w* \w know|strong="G1492"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w your|strong="G1722"\w* brothers \w and|strong="G4102"\w* sisters \w all|strong="G3588"\w* \w over|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w world|strong="G2889"\w* \w are|strong="G3739"\w* having \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w same|strong="G0846"\w* \w sufferings|strong="G3804"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w have|strong="G3588"\w*. 
\p
\v 10 \w Yes|strong="G1161"\w*, \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w will|strong="G2316"\w* \w suffer|strong="G3958"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w a|strong="G2564"\w* \w short|strong="G3641"\w* \w time|strong="G3641"\w*. \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w after|strong="G1161"\w* \w that|strong="G3956"\w*, \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w will|strong="G2316"\w* make \w everything|strong="G3956"\w* \w right|strong="G1519"\w*. \w He|strong="G0846"\w* \w will|strong="G2316"\w* make \w you|strong="G5210"\w* strong. \w He|strong="G0846"\w* \w will|strong="G2316"\w* support \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* keep \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w from|strong="G1391"\w* falling. \w He|strong="G0846"\w* \w is|strong="G2316"\w* \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* gives \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w grace|strong="G5485"\w*. \w He|strong="G0846"\w* chose \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* share \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w his|strong="G0846"\w* \w glory|strong="G1391"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*. \w That|strong="G3956"\w* \w glory|strong="G1391"\w* \w will|strong="G2316"\w* continue \w forever|strong="G1519"\w*. 
\v 11 \w All|strong="G3588"\w* \w power|strong="G2904"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w his|strong="G0846"\w* \w forever|strong="G0165"\w*. \w Amen|strong="G0281"\w*. 
\s1 Final Greetings 
\p
\v 12 Silas \w will|strong="G2316"\w* \w bring|strong="G1519"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w letter|strong="G1125"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*. \w I|strong="G3739"\w* know \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w a|strong="G5613"\w* \w faithful|strong="G4103"\w* \w brother|strong="G0080"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* Christ. \w I|strong="G3739"\w* \w wrote|strong="G1125"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w short|strong="G3641"\w* \w letter|strong="G1125"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w encourage|strong="G3870"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*. \w I|strong="G3739"\w* wanted \w to|strong="G1519"\w* tell \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w true|strong="G0227"\w* \w grace|strong="G5485"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*. \w Stand|strong="G2476"\w* strong \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w grace|strong="G5485"\w*. 
\p
\v 13 \w The|strong="G3588"\w* church \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Babylon|strong="G0897"\w*\f + \fr 5:13  \fk The church in Babylon \ft Literally, “She in Babylon.”\f* \w sends|strong="G0782"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w greetings|strong="G0782"\w*. \w They|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w chosen|strong="G4899"\w* \w just|strong="G2532"\w* \w as|strong="G1722"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w*. \w Mark|strong="G3138"\w*, \w my|strong="G1722"\w* \w son|strong="G5207"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* Christ, \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w sends|strong="G0782"\w* \w his|strong="G2532"\w* \w greetings|strong="G0782"\w*. 
\v 14 \w Give|strong="G0782"\w* \w each|strong="G0240"\w* \w other|strong="G0240"\w* \w a|strong="G1722"\w* special \w greeting|strong="G0782"\w*\f + \fr 5:14  \fk special greeting \ft Literally, “kiss.”\f* \w of|strong="G0026"\w* \w love|strong="G0026"\w* \w when|strong="G1722"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* meet. 
\p \w Peace|strong="G1515"\w* \w to|strong="G1722"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w of|strong="G0026"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G3956"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*. 