1Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,

To the exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappado'cia, Asia, and Bithyn'ia, 2chosen and destined by God the Father and sanctified by the Spirit for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood:

May grace and peace be multiplied to you.

Thanksgiving for the hope of salvation

3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy we have been born anew to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4and to an inheritance which is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5who by God's power are guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6In this you rejoice,1.6 Or Rejoice in this though now for a little while you may have to suffer various trials, 7so that the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold which though perishable is tested by fire, may redound to praise and glory and honour at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8Without having seen1.8 Other ancient authorities read known him you1.8 Or omit you love him; though you do not now see him you1.8 Or omit you believe in him and rejoice with unutterable and exalted joy. 9As the outcome of your faith you obtain the salvation of your souls.

10The prophets who prophesied of the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired about this salvation; 11they inquired what person or time was indicated by the Spirit of Christ within them when predicting the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glory. 12It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things which have now been announced to you by those who preached the good news to you through the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look.

A call to holy living

13Therefore gird up your minds, be sober, set your hope fully upon the grace that is coming to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, 15but as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in all your conduct; 161.16: Lev 11.44-45.since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” 17And if you invoke as Father him who judges each one impartially according to his deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile. 18You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your fathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, 19but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. 20He was destined before the foundation of the world but was made manifest at the end of the times for your sake. 21Through him you have confidence in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.1.21 Or so that your faith is hope in God

22Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere love of the brethren, love one another earnestly from the heart. 23You have been born anew, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God; 241.24-25: Is 40.6-9.for

“All flesh is like grass

and all its glory like the flower of grass.

The grass withers, and the flower falls,

25but the word of the Lord abides for ever.”

That word is the good news which was preached to you.