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Christ, then, having suffered for us in the flesh, ye also with the same mind arm yourselves, because he who did suffer in the flesh hath done with sin,

no more in the desires of men, but in the will of God, to live the rest of the time in the flesh;

for sufficient to us [is] the past time of life the will of the nations to have wrought, having walked in lasciviousnesses, desires, excesses of wines, revelings, drinking-bouts, and unlawful idolatries,

in which they think it strange -- your not running with them to the same excess of dissoluteness, speaking evil,

who shall give an account to Him who is ready to judge living and dead,

for for this also to dead men was good news proclaimed, that they may be judged, indeed, according to men in the flesh, and may live according to God in the spirit.

And of all things the end hath come nigh; be sober-minded, then, and watch unto the prayers,

and, before all things, to one another having the earnest love, because the love shall cover a multitude of sins;

hospitable to one another, without murmuring;

10 each, according as he received a gift, to one another ministering it, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God;

11 if any one doth speak -- `as oracles of God;' if any one doth minister -- `as of the ability which God doth supply;' that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom is the glory and the power -- to the ages of the ages. Amen.

12 Beloved, think it not strange at the fiery suffering among you that is coming to try you, as if a strange thing were happening to you,

13 but, according as ye have fellowship with the sufferings of the Christ, rejoice ye, that also in the revelation of his glory ye may rejoice -- exulting;

14 if ye be reproached in the name of Christ -- happy [are ye], because the Spirit of glory and of God upon you doth rest; in regard, indeed, to them, he is evil-spoken of, and in regard to you, he is glorified;

15 for let none of you suffer as a murderer, or thief, or evil-doer, or as an inspector into other men's matters;

16 and if as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; and let him glorify God in this respect;

17 because it is the time of the beginning of the judgment from the house of God, and if first from us, what the end of those disobedient to the good news of God?

18 And if the righteous man is scarcely saved, the ungodly and sinner -- where shall he appear?

19 so that also those suffering according to the will of god, as to a stedfast Creator, let them commit their own souls in good doing.

Living for God

Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body,(A) arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin.(B) As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires,(C) but rather for the will of God. For you have spent enough time in the past(D) doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry.(E) They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you.(F) But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.(G) For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead,(H) so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.

The end of all things is near.(I) Therefore be alert and of sober mind(J) so that you may pray. Above all, love each other deeply,(K) because love covers over a multitude of sins.(L) Offer hospitality(M) to one another without grumbling.(N) 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others,(O) as faithful(P) stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God.(Q) If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides,(R) so that in all things God may be praised(S) through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.(T)

Suffering for Being a Christian

12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you(U) to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice(V) inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ,(W) so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.(X) 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ,(Y) you are blessed,(Z) for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.(AA) 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household;(AB) and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?(AC) 18 And,

“If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
    what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”[a](AD)

19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will(AE) should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

Footnotes

  1. 1 Peter 4:18 Prov. 11:31 (see Septuagint)