CHRIST then having suffered for us in the flesh, be ye also in mind
armed for the same conflict: for he that hath suffered in the flesh
hath ceased from sinning; (2)that he might not spend the remaining
space of life in the flesh after human passions, but the divine will.
(3)For the time past of life is enough for us to have wrought the will
of the heathen, when we walked in all impurities, lewd appetites,
excess of wine, revels, drinking-bouts, and abominable idolatries;
(4)wherein they think it a strange thing, that you are not running with
them into the same gulph of profligacy, spreading every scandalous
report of you: (5)who shall give an account to him, who holds himself
ready to judge the living and the dead. (6)For to this end was the
gospel preached to those that are dead, that they might be judged
indeed in the flesh according to the will of men, but live in spirit
according to the will of God.
(7)But the end of all things is near: be ye therefore sober-minded, and
vigilant in prayers. (8)But above all things have fervent love towards
each other: for love will conceal a multitude of faults.
(9)Exercise hospitality one towards another without grudgings. (10)Let
every one, according as he hath received a gift, minister it to others,
as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. (11)If any man speak,
let it be agreeably to the oracles of God; if any man act as a deacon,
let it be from the strength which God supplieth: that in all things God
may be glorified through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory and might for
ever and ever. Amen.
(12)Beloved, be not amazed at the fiery trial among you which is to
bring you to the test, as though something strange happened to you;
(13)but as ye share in the sufferings of Christ rejoice, that at the
revelation of his glory also ye may hail him with exultations. (14)If
ye suffer reproach for the name of Christ, blessed are ye; for the
spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: by them indeed he is
blasphemed, but by you he is glorified. (15)Let no one of you then
suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or an evil-doer, or a meddler in
other persons' business. (16)But if any man suffer as a Christian, let
him not be ashamed; but let him give glory to God on this very account.
(17)For now is the time when judgment is commencing at the house of
God; and if it begin with us, what will be the end of those who obey
not the gospel of God? (18)And if the righteous man is hardly saved,
where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? (19)Wherefore let those
who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to him in
well-doing as to the faithful Creator.