1Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slanderous talk. 2You should crave the pure milk of the God’s Word, just as newborn babes do, so that you grow in your faith, 3Now that you have tasted the kindness and grace of the Lord.

is good and gracious; 4Having come to Christ, the living Stone, Who was rejected by men, but chosen by God, and precious to Him -5And you are also, like living stones, built into a spiritual house - a holy priesthood, that offers up spiritual sacrifices that are pleasing and acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. 6As it is said in the Scripture, “See, I lay in Zion a chief Cornerstone, elect, precious; and any who believe in Him shall never be shaken or put to shame.” (Is.28:16). 7He is precious to you who believe; but to those who reject Him, “The Stone Which the builders rejected has now become the Cornerstone.” (Ps.118:22) 8And He is “A Stone that people stumble over, and a Rock of offence for those who stumble at the word of God.” (Ps.8:14). They stumble because they disobey the message—which is also what they were destined to do. 9But you are not like that, but a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of His Own; that you should proclaim the praises of Him Who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. 10You, who had no identity as a people in the past, are now the people of God; you, who had not obtained mercy, have now obtained mercy.

11Dear friends, I urge you as foreigners and pilgrims in exile, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. 12Live properly and honestly among the pagans, so that, while they may accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your good deeds, and give honor to God in the day He visits us.

13Submit yourselves to every human authority for the Lord's sake; whether it be to the king, emperor; 14Or to officials, sent by him to punish those who do wrong, and to praise them that do well. 15For it is the will of God, that by doing well, you may silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. 16Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as an excuse to do evil, but as the servants of God. 17Show proper respect for all people. Love your fellow believers. Honor God. Respect the king.

18You who are slaves, submit to your masters with all respect; not only to the good and gentle, but also to those that are harsh. 19For this is commendable, if for conscience toward God, you endure grief, and suffer unjust treatment. 20For what credit do you deserve if you endure punishment for something you have done wrong? But if, when you have done well, and suffer for it, and endure it patiently, this is pleasing to God. 21For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, setting an example, that we should follow in His steps, 22Who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth (Is.53:9). 23When Christ had insults hurled at Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but entrusted Himself to Him Who judges righteously. 24He, Himself, bore our sins in His Own body on the cross, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness. “By His wounds you have been healed.” (Is. 53:5). 25For “You were like sheep going astray.” (Is. 53:6), but have now returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.