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1 Peter
1 Peter, an apostle of
Jesus Christ, To the exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia,
Asia, and Bithynia, 2 who have been chosen
and destined by God the Father and sanctified by the Spirit to be obedient to
Jesus Christ and to be sprinkled with his blood: May grace and peace be yours
in abundance.
A Living Hope
3 Blessed be the God and
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new
birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the
dead, 4 and into an inheritance
that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who are being protected by the power of God through faith for a
salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you rejoice, even if now for a little while you have had
to suffer various trials, 7 so
that the genuineness of your faith - being more precious than gold that,
though perishable, is tested by fire - may be found to result in praise and
glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8 Although you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you
do not see him now, you believe in him and rejoice with an indescribable and
glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the
outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
10 Concerning this
salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that was to be yours made
careful search and inquiry, 11
inquiring about the person or time that the Spirit of Christ within them
indicated when it testified in advance to the sufferings destined for Christ
and the subsequent glory. 12
It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in
regard to the things that have now been announced to you through those who
brought you good news by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven - things into which
angels long to look!
Call to Holy Living
13 Therefore prepare your
minds for action; discipline yourselves; set all your hope on the grace that
Jesus Christ will bring you when he is revealed. 14 Like obedient children, do not be conformed to the desires that
you formerly had in ignorance. 15
Instead, as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in all your
conduct; 16 for it is written,
"You shall be holy, for I am holy."
17 If you invoke as Father
the one who judges all people impartially according to their deeds, live in
reverent fear during the time of your exile. 18 You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited
from your ancestors, not with perishable things like silver or gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb
without defect or blemish. 20
He was destined before the foundation of the world, but was revealed at the
end of the ages for your sake. 21
Through him you have come to trust in God, who raised him from the dead and
gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are set on God.
22 Now that you have
purified your souls by your obedience to the truth so that you have genuine
mutual love, love one another deeply from the heart. 23 You have been born anew, not of perishable but of imperishable
seed, through the living and enduring word of God. 24 For "All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the
flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, 25 but the word of the Lord endures forever." That word is the
good news that was announced to you.
Chosen People, Holy Nation and Living Stone
1 Rid yourselves,
therefore, of all malice, and all guile, insincerity, envy, and all slander. 2 Like newborn infants, long for the pure, spiritual milk, so that
by it you may grow into salvation - 3 if
indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.
4 Come to him, a living
stone, though rejected by mortals yet chosen and precious in God's sight, and
5 like living stones, let yourselves be
built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual
sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For it stands in scripture: "See, I am laying in Zion a
stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious; and whoever believes in him will
not be put to shame." 7 To
you then who believe, he is precious; but for those who do not believe, The
stone that the builders rejected has become the very head of the
corner," 8 and "A stone that
makes them stumble, and a rock that makes them fall." They stumble
because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do.
9 But you are a chosen
race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's own people, in order that you
may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his
marvelous light. 10 Once you were not
a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but
now you have received mercy.
Living as Servants of God
11 Beloved, I urge you as
aliens and exiles to abstain from the desires of the flesh that wage war
against the soul. 12 Conduct yourselves
honorably among the Gentiles, so that, though they malign you as evildoers,
they may see your honorable deeds and glorify God when he comes to judge.
13 For the Lord's sake
accept the authority of every human institution, whether of the emperor as
supreme, 14 or of governors, as sent
by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right. 15 For it is God's will that by doing right you should silence the
ignorance of the foolish. 16
As servants of God, live as free people, yet do not use your freedom as a
pretext for evil. 17 Honor everyone.
Love the family of believers. Fear God. Honor the emperor.
Example of the Suffering Christ
18 Slaves, accept the authority
of your masters with all deference, not only those who are kind and gentle
but also those who are harsh. 19
For it is a credit to you if, being aware of God, you endure pain while
suffering unjustly. 20 If you endure when
you are beaten for doing wrong, what credit is that? But if you endure when
you do right and suffer for it, you have God's approval. 21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered
for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follow in his steps. 22 "He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his
mouth."
23 When he was abused, he
did not return abuse; when he suffered, he did not threaten; but he entrusted
himself to the one who judges justly. 24
He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that, free from sins,
we might live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. 25 For you were going astray like sheep, but now you have returned
to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.
Wives and Husbands
1 Wives, in the same way, accept
the authority of your husbands, so that, even if some of them do not obey the
word, they may be won over without a word by their wives' conduct, 2 when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. 3 Do not adorn yourselves outwardly by braiding your hair, and by
wearing gold ornaments or fine clothing; 4 rather, let your adornment be the inner self with the lasting
beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in God's sight. 5 It was in this way long ago that the holy women who hoped in God
used to adorn themselves by accepting the authority of their husbands. 6 Thus Sarah obeyed Abraham and called him lord. You have become
her daughters as long as you do what is good ad never let fears alarm you.
7 Husbands, in the same
way, show consideration for your wives in your life together, paying honor to
the woman as the weaker sex, since they too are also heirs of the gracious
gift of life - so that nothing may hinder your prayers.
Generosity and Patience
8 Finally, all of you, have
unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart, and a humble
mind. 9 Do not repay evil for
evil or abuse for abuse; but, on the contrary, repay with a blessing. It is
for this that you were called - that you might inherit a blessing. 10 For "Those who desire life and desire to see good days, let
them keep their tongues from evil and their lips from speaking deceit; 11 let them turn away from evil and do good; let them seek peace and
pursue it. 12 For the eyes of the Lord
are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of
the Lord is against those who do evil."
13 Now who will harm you if
you are eager to do what is good? 14
But even if you do suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. Do not
fear what they fear, and do not be intimidated, 15 but in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to
make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope
that is in you; 16 yet do it with
gentleness and reverence. Keep your conscience clear, so that, when you are
maligned, those who abuse you for your good conduct in Christ may be put to
shame. 17 For it is better to
suffer for doing good, if suffering should be God's will, than to suffer for
doing evil.
18 For Christ also suffered
for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, in order to bring
you to God. He was put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit, 19 in which also he went and made a proclamation to the spirits in
prison, 20 who in former times did
not obey, when God waited patiently in the days of Noah, during the building
of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were saved through water.
21 And baptism, which this prefigured,
now saves you - not as a removal of dirt from the body, but as an appeal to
God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with
angels, authorities, and powers made subject to him.
Stewards of Grace
1 Since therefore Christ
suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same intention (for
whoever has suffered in the flesh has finished with sin), 2 so as to live for the rest of your earthly life no longer by
human desires but by the will of God. 3
You have already spent enough time in doing what the Gentiles like to do,
living in licentiousness, passions, drunkenness, revels, carousing, and
lawless idolatry. 4 They are surprised
that you no longer join them in the same excesses of dissipation, and so they
blaspheme. 5 But they will have to
give an accounting to him who stands ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this is the reason the gospel was proclaimed even to the
dead, so that, though they had been judged in the flesh as everyone is
judged, they might live in the spirit as God does.
7 The end of all things is
near; therefore be serious and discipline yourselves for the sake of your
prayers. 8 Above all, maintain
constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Be hospitable to one another without complaining. 10 Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one
another with whatever gift each of you has received. 11 Whoever speaks must do so as one speaking the very words of God;
whoever serves must do so with the strength that God supplies, so that God
may be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ. To him belong the glory
and the power forever and ever. Amen.
Christian Endurance
12 Beloved, do not be
surprised at the fiery ordeal that is taking place among you to test you, as
though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you are sharing Christ's sufferings, so
that you may also be glad and shout for joy when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed,
because the spirit of glory, which is the Spirit of God, is resting on you. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, a criminal, or
even as a mischief maker. 16
Yet if any of you suffers as a Christian, do not consider it a disgrace, but glorify
God because you bear this name.
17 For the time has come
for judgment to begin with the household of God; if it begins with us, what
will be the end for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And "If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will
become of the ungodly and the sinners?"
19 Therefore, let those
suffering in accordance with God's will entrust themselves to a faithful
Creator, while continuing to do good.
Tend the Flock of God
1 Now as an elder myself
and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as one who shares in the
glory to be revealed, I exhort the elders among you 2 to tend the flock of God that is in your charge, exercising the
oversight, not under compulsion but willingly, as God would have you do it - not
for sordid gain but eagerly. 3 Do
not lord it over those in your charge, but be examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief shepherd appears, you will win the crown of
glory that never fades away. 5 In
the same way, you who are younger must accept the authority of the elders.
And all of you must clothe yourselves with humility in your dealings with one
another, for "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the
humble."
6 Humble yourselves
therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time.
7 Cast all your anxiety on him, because
he cares for you. 8 Discipline
yourselves, keep alert. Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls
around, looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, steadfast in your faith, for you know that your
brothers and sisters in all the world are undergoing the same kinds of
suffering. 10 And after you have
suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his
eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and
establish you. 11 To him be the power
forever and ever. Amen.
Greetings and Blessing
12 Through Silvanus, whom I
consider a faithful brother, I have written this short letter to encourage
you and to testify that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it. 13 Your sister church in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends
you greetings; and so does my son Mark. 14 Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who
are in Christ.
2 Peter
(The
Second Epistle of St. Peter)
Salutation
1 Simeon Peter, a servant
and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have received a faith as precious
as ours through the righteousness of our God and Saviour Jesus Christ: 2 May grace and peace be yours in abundance in the knowledge of God
and of Jesus our Lord.
Christian Vocation
3 His divine power has
given us everything needed for life and godliness, through the knowledge of
him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Thus he has given us, through these things, his precious and very
great promises, so that through them you may escape from the corruption that
is in the world because of lust, and may become participants of the divine
nature. 5 For this very reason, you
must make every effort to support your faith with goodness, and goodness with
knowledge, 6 and knowledge with
self-control, and self-control with endurance, and endurance with godliness, 7 and godliness with mutual affection, and mutual affection with
love. 8 For if these things are
yours and are increasing among you, they keep you from being ineffective and
unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For anyone who lacks these things is nearsighted and blind, and
is forgetful of the cleansing of past sins. 10 Therefore, brothers and sisters, be all the more eager to confirm
your call and election, for if you do this, you will never stumble. 11 For in this way, entry into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and
Saviour Jesus Christ will be richly provided for you.
12 Therefore I intend to
keep on reminding you of these things, though you know them already and are
established in the truth that has come to you. 13 I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to refresh your
memory, 14 since I know that my
death will come soon, as indeed our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. 15 And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may
be able at any time to recall these things.
Eyewitnesses of His Glory
16 For we did not follow
cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our
Lord Jesus Christ, but we had been eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 For he received honor and glory from God the Father when that
voice was conveyed to him by the Majestic Glory, saying, "This is my
Son, my Beloved, with whom I am well pleased." 18 We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven, while we were
with him on the holy mountain.
19 So we have the prophetic
message more fully confirmed. You will do well to be attentive to this as to
a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star
rises in your hearts. 20
First of all you must understand this, that no prophecy of scripture is a
matter of one's own interpretation, 21
because no prophecy ever came by human will, but men and women moved by the
Holy Spirit spoke from God.
Danger of False Prophets
1 But false prophets also
arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who
will secretly bring in destructive opinions. They will even deny the Master
who bought them - bringing swift destruction on themselves. 2 Even so, many will follow their licentious ways, and because of
these teachers the way of truth will be maligned. 3 And in their greed they will exploit you with deceptive words. Their
condemnation, pronounced against them long ago, has not been idle, and their
destruction is not asleep.
4 For if God did not spare
the angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to
chains of deepest darkness to be kept until the judgment; 5 and if he did not spare the ancient world, even though he saved
Noah, a herald of righteousness, with seven others, when he brought a flood
on a world of the ungodly; 6
and if by turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to ashes he condemned them
to extinction and made them an example of what is coming to the ungodly; 7 and if he rescued Lot, a righteous man greatly distressed by the
licentiousness of the lawless 8
(for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his
righteous soul by their lawless deeds that he saw and heard), 9 then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trial, and to
keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment 10 - especially those who indulge their flesh in depraved lust, and
who despise authority. Bold and willful, they are not afraid to slander the
glorious ones, 11 whereas angels, though
greater in might and power, do not bring against them a slanderous judgment
from the Lord.
12 These people, however,
are like irrational animals, mere creatures of instinct, born to be caught
and killed. They slander what they do not understand, and when those
creatures are destroyed, they also will be destroyed, 13 suffering the penalty for doing wrong. They count it a pleasure
to revel in the daytime. They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their
dissipation while they feast with you. 14 They have eyes full of adultery, insatiable for sin. They entice
unsteady souls. They have hearts trained in greed. Accursed children! 15 They have left the straight road and have gone astray, following
the road of Balaam son of Bosor, who love the wages of doing wrong, 16 but was rebuked for his own transgression; a speechless donkey
spoke with a human voice and restrained the prophet's madness.
17 These are waterless
springs and mists driven by a storm; for them the deepest darkness has been
reserved. 18 For they speak bombastic
nonsense, and with licentious desires of the flesh they entice people who
have just escaped from those who live in error. 19 They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of
corruption; for people are slaves to whatever masters them.
20 For if, after they have
escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and
Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overpowered, the
last state has become worse for them than the first. 21 For it would have been better for them never to have known the
way of righteousness than, after knowing it, to turn back from the holy
commandment that was passed on to them. 22 It has happened to them according to the true proverb, "The
dog turns back to its own vomit," and, "The sow is washed only to
wallow in the mud."
The Coming Day of the Lord
1 This is now, beloved, the
second letter I am writing to you; in them I am trying to arouse your sincere
intention by reminding you 2
that you should remember the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets,
and the commandment of the Lord and Saviour spoken through your apostles. 3 First of all you must understand this, that in the last days
scoffers will come, scoffing and indulging their own lusts 4 and saying, "Where is the promise of his coming? For ever
since our ancestors died, all things continue as they were from the beginning
of creation!" 5 They deliberately
ignore this fact, that by the word of God heavens existed long ago and an
earth was formed out of water and by means of water, 6 through which the world of that time was deluged with water and
perished. 7 But by the same word the
present heavens and earth have been reserved for fire, being kept until the
day of judgment and destruction of the godless.
8 But do not ignore this
one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a
thousand years are like one day. 9
The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, but is
patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the
heavens will pass away with a loud noise, and the elements will be dissolved
with fire, and the earth and everything that is done on it will be disclosed.
11 Since all these things
are to be dissolved in this way, what sort of persons ought you to be in
leading lives of holiness and godliness, 12 waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because
of which the heavens will be set ablaze and dissolved, and the elements will
melt with fire? 13 But, in accordance with
his promise, we wait for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness is
at home.
14 Therefore, beloved,
while you are waiting for these things, strive to be found by him at peace,
without spot or blemish; 15
and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation. So also our beloved brother
Paul wrote to you according to the wisdom given him, 16 speaking of this as he does in all his letters. There are some
things in them hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to
their own destruction, as they do the other scriptures.
17 You therefore, beloved,
since you are forewarned, beware that you are not carried away with the error
of the lawless and lose your own stability. 18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus
Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.
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