I Peter 4-5

I Peter 4

¹So that as Jesus was put to death in the flesh, do you yourselves be of the same mind; for the death of the flesh puts an end to sin;

²So that you may give the rest of your lives in the flesh, not to the desires of men, but to the purpose of God.

³Because for long enough, in times past, we have been living after the way of the Gentiles, given up to the desires of the flesh, to drinking and feasting and loose behaviour and unclean worship of images;

⁴And they are wondering that you no longer go with them in this violent wasting of life, and are saying evil things of you:

⁵But they will have to give an account of themselves to him who is ready to be the judge of the living and the dead.

⁶For this was the reason why the good news of Jesus was given even to the dead, so that they might be judged as men in the flesh, but might be living before God in the spirit.

⁷But the end of all things is near: so be serious in your behaviour and keep on the watch with prayer;

⁸And most of all be warm in your love for one another; because in love there is forgiveness for sins without number:

⁹Keep open house for all with a glad heart;

¹⁰Making distribution among one another of whatever has been given to you, like true servants of the unmeasured grace of God;

¹¹If anyone has anything to say, let it be as the words of God; if anyone has the desire to be the servant of others, let him do it in the strength which is given by God; so that in all things God may have the glory through Jesus Christ, whose are the glory and the power for ever.

¹²Dear brothers, do not be surprised, as if it was something strange, if your faith is tested as by fire:

¹³But be glad that you are given a part in the pains of Christ; so that at the revelation of his glory you may have great joy.

¹⁴If men say evil things of you because of the name of Christ, happy are you; for the Spirit of glory and of God is resting on you.

¹⁵Let no one among you undergo punishment as a taker of life, or as a thief, or as an evil-doer, or as one who is over-interested in other men's business;

¹⁶But if he undergoes punishment as a Christian, that is no shame to him; let him give glory to God in this name.

¹⁷For the time has come for the judging, starting with the church of God; but if it makes a start with us, what will be the end of those who are not under the rule of God?

¹⁸And if it is hard for even the good man to get salvation, what chance has the man without religion or the sinner?

¹⁹For this reason let those who by the purpose of God undergo punishment, keep on in well-doing and put their souls into the safe hands of their Maker.

I Peter 5

¹I who am myself one of the rulers of the church, and a witness of the death of Christ, having my part in the coming glory, send this serious request to the chief men among you:

²Keep watch over the flock of God which is in your care, using your authority, not as forced to do so, but gladly; and not for unclean profit but with a ready mind;

³Not as lords over God's heritage, but making yourselves examples to the flock.

⁴And at the coming of the chief Keeper of the sheep, you will be given the eternal crown of glory.

⁵And in the same way, let the younger men be ruled by the older ones. Let all of you put away pride and make yourselves ready to be servants: for God is a hater of pride, but he gives grace to those who make themselves low.

⁶For this cause make yourselves low under the strong hand of God, so that when the time comes you may be lifted up;

⁷Putting all your troubles on him, for he takes care of you.

⁸Be serious and keep watch; the Evil One, who is against you, goes about like a lion with open mouth in search of food;

⁹Do not give way to him but be strong in your faith, in the knowledge that your brothers who are in the world undergo the same troubles.

¹⁰And after you have undergone pain for a little time, the God of all grace who has given you a part in his eternal glory through Christ Jesus, will himself give you strength and support, and make you complete in every good thing;

¹¹His is the power for ever. So be it.

¹²I have sent you this short letter by Silvanus, a true brother, in my opinion; comforting you and witnessing that this is the true grace of God; keep to it.

¹³She who is in Babylon, who has a part with you in the purpose of God, sends you her love; and so does my son Mark.

¹⁴Give one another the kiss of love. Peace be to you all in Christ.