1Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the elect strangers scattered in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia; 2Who have been chosen according to the predetermined knowledge of God the Father, by sanctification through the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace and peace be multiplied to you.

3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who, according to His abundant mercy, has begotten us again unto a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead; 4Unto an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and unfading, reserved in heaven for us, 5Who are being safeguarded by the power of God through faith, for salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6In this you yourselves greatly rejoice; though for the present, if it is necessary, you are in distress for a little while by various trials; 7In order that the proving of your faith, which is much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is being tested by fire, may be found unto praise and honor and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 8Whom, not having seen, you love; in Whom, though at the present time you do not see Him, you believe, and rejoice with unspeakable joy, and filled with glory; 9And are receiving the end of your faith--even the salvation of your souls;

10Concerning which salvation the prophets who prophesied of the grace that would come to you have diligently searched out and intently inquired, 11Searching into what way and what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them was indicating, testifying beforehand of the sufferings of Christ, and these glories that would follow; 12To whom it was revealed that, not for themselves, but to us they were ministering these things, which now have been announced to you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit, sent from heaven--into which things the angels desire to look.

13For this reason, be prepared in your minds, be self-controlled, and be fully hoping in the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14As obedient children, do not conform yourselves to the former lusts, as you did in your ignorance. 15But according as He Who has called you is holy, you yourselves also be holy in all your conduct; 16For it is written, "You be holy because I am holy."

17And if you call upon the Father, Who judges according to each man's work without respect of persons, pass the time of your life's journey in the fear of God; 18Knowing that you were not redeemed by corruptible things, by silver or gold, from your futile way of living, inherited by tradition from your forefathers; 19But by the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot; 20Who truly was foreknown before the foundation of the world, but was manifested in these last times for your sakes; 21 Even for you who through Him do believe in God, Who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope might be in God.

22Having purified your lives by obedience to the Truth unto unfeigned brotherly love through the Spirit, love one another fervently with a pure heart. 23Foryou have been begotten again, not from corruptible seed, but from incorruptible seed, by the living Word of God, which remains forever.

24For all flesh is like grass, and all the glory of man is like the flower of the field; the grass has withered, and its flower has fallen away.

25But the Word of the Lord endures forever; and this is the message that was preached to you through the gospel.