and a stumbling-stone and a rock to trip over. They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he gave us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

This brings you great joy, although you may have to suffer for a short time in various trials.

He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was manifested in these last times for your sake.

And God will exalt you in due time, if you humble yourselves under his mighty hand

When he was maligned, he did not answer back; when he suffered, he threatened no retaliation, but committed himself to God who judges justly.

Now it was for this very purpose that the gospel was preached to those who are now dead, so that though they were judged in the flesh by human standards they may live spiritually by God’s standards.