The First of Peter
4 Therefore since Christ suffered in the flesh,+ YOU too arm yourselves with the same mental disposition;*+ because the person that has suffered in the flesh has desisted from sins,+ 2 to the end that he may live the remainder of [his] time in the flesh,+ no more for the desires of men, but for God’s will.+ 3 For the time+ that has passed by is sufficient for YOU to have worked out the will of the nations+ when YOU proceeded in deeds of loose conduct,*+ lusts, excesses with wine,+ revelries, drinking matches, and illegal idolatries.+ 4 Because YOU do not continue running with them in this course to the same low sink of debauchery,+ they are puzzled and go on speaking abusively of YOU.+ 5 But these people will render an account to the one+ ready to judge those living and those dead.+ 6 In fact, for this purpose the good news was declared also to the dead,+ that they might be judged as to the flesh from the standpoint of men+ but might live as to the spirit+ from the standpoint of God.
7 But the end* of all things has drawn close.+ Be sound in mind,+ therefore, and be vigilant* with a view to prayers.+ 8 Above all things, have intense* love for one another,+ because love covers a multitude of sins.+ 9 Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.+ 10 In proportion as each one has received a gift, use it in ministering to one another as fine stewards* of God’s undeserved kindness expressed in various ways.+ 11 If anyone speaks, [let him speak] as it were [the] sacred pronouncements+ of God; if anyone ministers,+ [let him minister] as dependent on the strength that God supplies;+ so that in all things God may be glorified+ through Jesus Christ. The glory+ and the might are his forever and ever. Amen.
12 Beloved ones, do not be puzzled at the burning among YOU, which is happening to YOU for a trial,+ as though a strange thing were befalling YOU. 13 On the contrary, go on rejoicing+ forasmuch as YOU are sharers in the sufferings of the Christ,+ that YOU may rejoice and be overjoyed also during the revelation*+ of his glory. 14 If YOU are being reproached for the name of Christ,+ YOU are happy,+ because the [spirit] of glory, even the spirit of God, is resting upon YOU.+
15 However, let none of YOU suffer+ as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a busybody+ in other people’s matters. 16 But if [he suffers]+ as a Christian,* let him not feel shame,+ but let him keep on glorifying God in this name. 17 For it is the appointed time for the judgment to start with the house of God.+ Now if it starts first with us,+ what will the end be of those who are not obedient to the good news of God?+ 18 “And if the righteous [man] is being saved with difficulty,+ where will the ungodly [man] and the sinner make a showing?”+ 19 So, then, also let those who are suffering in harmony with the will of God keep on commending their souls to a faithful Creator while they are doing good.*+