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[1] Wherefore laying away all malice, and all guile, and dissimulations, and envies, and all detractions,
[2] As newborn babes, desire the rational milk without guile, that thereby you may grow unto salvation:
[3] If so be you have tasted that the Lord is sweet.
[4] Unto whom coming, as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen and made honourable by God:
[5] Be you also as living stones built up, a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
[6] Wherefore it is said in the scripture: Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious. And he that shall believe in him, shall not be confounded.
[7] To you therefore that believe, he is honour: but to them that believe not, the stone which the builders rejected, the same is made the head of the corner:
[8] And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of scandal, to them who stumble at the word, neither do believe, whereunto also they are set.
[9] But you are a chosen generation, a kingly priesthood, a holy nation, a purchased people: that you may declare his virtues, who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
[10] Who in time past were not a people: but are now the people of God. Who had not obtained mercy; but now have obtained mercy.
[11] Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, to refrain yourselves from carnal desires which war against the soul,
[12] Having your conversation good among the Gentiles: that whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by the good works, which they shall behold in you, glorify God in the day of visitation.
[13] Be ye subject therefore to every human creature for God's sake: whether it be to the king as excelling;
[14] Or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of the good:
[15] For so is the will of God, that by doing well you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:
[16] As free, and not as making liberty a cloak for malice, but as the servants of God.
[17] Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.
[18] Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.
[19] For this is thankworthy, if for conscience towards God, a man endure sorrows, suffering wrongfully.
[20] For what glory is it, if committing sin, and being buffeted for it, you endure? But if doing well you suffer patiently; this is thankworthy before God.
[21] For unto this are you called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving you an example that you should follow his steps.
[22] Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth.
[23] Who, when he was reviled, did not revile: when he suffered, he threatened not: but delivered himself to him that judged him unjustly.
[24] Who his own self bore our sins in his body upon the tree: that we, being dead to sins, should live to justice: by whose stripes you were healed.
[25] For you were as sheep going astray; but you are now converted to the shepherd and bishop of your souls.
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