1Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind, which is, that he which hath suffered in the flesh, hath ceased from sin,
2That he hence forward should live (as much time as remaineth in the flesh) not after the lusts of men, but after the will of God.
3For it is sufficient for us that we have spent the time past of the life, after the lust of the Gentiles walking in wantonness, lusts, drunkenness, in gluttony, drinkings, and in abominable idolatries.
4Wherein it seemeth to them strange, that ye run not with them unto the same excess of riot: therefore speak they evil of you.
5Which shall give account to him, that is ready to judge quick and dead.
6For unto this purpose was the Gospel preached also unto the dead, that they might be condemned according to men in the flesh, but might live according to God in the spirit.
7Now the end of all things is at hand. Be ye therefore sober, and watching in prayer.
8But above all things have fervent love among you: for love shall cover the multitude of sins.
9Be ye harberous one to another, without grudging.
10Let every man as he hath received the gift, minister the same one to another, as good disposers of the manifold grace of God.
11If any man speak, let him speak as the words of God. If any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God ministereth, that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom is praise and dominion forever, and ever, Amen.
12Dearly beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial, which is among you to prove you as though some strange thing were come unto you.
13But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings, that when his glory shall appear, ye may be glad and rejoice.
14If ye be railed upon for the Name of Christ, blessed are ye: for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: which on their part is evil spoken of, but on your part is glorified.
15But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or an evil doer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters.
16But if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed: but let him glorify God in this behalf.
17For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God. If it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them which obey not the Gospel of God?
18And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?
19Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God, commit their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.