41 Therefore , since Christ has suffered in the flesh , arm yourselves also with the same purpose , because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin , 2 so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men , but for the will of God . 3 For the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles , having pursued a course of sensuality , lusts , drunkenness , carousing , drinking parties and abominable idolatries .
4 In all this , they are surprised that you do not run with them into the same excesses of dissipation , and they malign you; 5 but they will give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead . 6 For the gospel has for this purpose been preached even to those who are dead , that though they are judged in the flesh as men , they may live in the spirit according to the will of God .
7 The end of all things is near ; therefore , be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer . 8 Above all , keep fervent in your love for one another , because love covers a multitude of sins . 9 Be hospitable to one another without complaint . 10 As each one has received a special gift , employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God . 11 Whoever e speaks , is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God ; whoever e serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies ; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ , to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever . Amen .
12 Beloved , do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing , as though some strange thing were happening to you; 13 but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ , keep on rejoicing , so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation . 14 If you are reviled for the name of Christ , you are blessed , because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 Make sure that none e of you suffers as a murderer , or thief , or evildoer , or a troublesome meddler ; 16 but if anyone suffers as a Christian , he is not to be ashamed , but is to glorify God in this name . 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God ; and if it begins with us first , what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God ? 18 AND IF IT IS WITH DIFFICULTY THAT THE RIGHTEOUS IS SAVED , WHAT WILL BECOME OF THE GODLESS MAN AND THE SINNER ? 19 Therefore , those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right .
31 In the same way , you wives , be submissive to your own husbands so that even if any of them are disobedient to the word , they may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives , 2 as they observe your chaste and respectful behavior . 3 Your adornment must not be merely external -braiding the hair , and wearing gold jewelry , or putting on dresses ; 4 but let it be the hidden person of the heart , with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit , which is precious in the sight of God . 5 For in this way in former times the holy women also , who hoped in God , used to adorn themselves , being submissive to their own husbands ; 6 just as Sarah obeyed Abraham , calling him lord , and you have become her children if you do what is right without e being frightened by any fear . 7 You husbands in the same way , live with your wives in an understanding way , as with someone weaker , since she is a woman ; and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life , so that your prayers will not be hindered .
8 To sum up, all of you be harmonious , sympathetic , brotherly , kindhearted , and humble in spirit ; 9 not returning evil for evil or insult for insult , but giving a blessing instead ; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing . 10 For, " THE ONE WHO DESIRES LIFE , TO LOVE AND SEE GOOD DAYS , MUST KEEP HIS TONGUE FROM EVIL AND HIS LIPS FROM SPEAKING DECEIT . 11 " HE MUST TURN AWAY FROM EVIL AND DO GOOD ; HE MUST SEEK PEACE AND PURSUE IT. 12 " FOR THE EYES OF THE Lord ARE TOWARD THE RIGHTEOUS , AND HIS EARS ATTEND TO THEIR PRAYER , BUT THE FACE OF THE Lord IS AGAINST THOSE WHO DO EVIL ." 13 Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good ? 14 But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness , you are blessed . AND DO NOT FEAR THEIR INTIMIDATION , AND DO NOT BE TROUBLED , 15 but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts , always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence ;
16 and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered , those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame . 17 For it is better , if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong .
18 For Christ also died for sins once for all , the just for the unjust , so that He might bring us to God , having been put to death in the flesh , but made alive in the spirit ; 19 in which also He went and made proclamation to the spirits now in prison , 20 who once were disobedient , when the patience of God kept waiting in the days of Noah , during the construction of the ark , in which a few , that is, eight persons , were brought safely through the water .
21 Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you- not the removal of dirt from the flesh , but an appeal to God for a good conscience -through the resurrection of Jesus Christ , 22 who is at the right hand of God , having gone into heaven , after angels and authorities and powers had been subjected to Him.
