For they could not bear what was commanded: “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned.”

because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance.

But be sure you live out the message and do not merely listen to it and so deceive yourselves.

Do they not blaspheme the good name of the one you belong to?

Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers and sisters, because you know that we will be judged more strictly.

Is anyone among you suffering? He should pray. Is anyone in good spirits? He should sing praises.

that is, into an inheritance imperishable, undefiled, and unfading. It is reserved in heaven for you,

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

Like obedient children, do not comply with the evil urges you used to follow in your ignorance,

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

So get rid of all evil and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander.

But let none of you suffer as a murderer or thief or criminal or as a troublemaker.

Then when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that never fades away.

The church in Babylon, chosen together with you, greets you, and so does Mark, my son.

Through these things the world existing at that time was destroyed when it was deluged with water.

Therefore, dear friends, since you are waiting for these things, strive to be found at peace, without spot or blemish, when you come into his presence.

For this is the gospel message that you have heard from the beginning: that we should love one another,

For they have gone forth on behalf of “The Name,” accepting nothing from the pagans.

save others by snatching them out of the fire; have mercy on others, coupled with a fear of God, hating even the clothes stained by the flesh.

‘I know where you live – where Satan’s throne is. Yet you continue to cling to my name and you have not denied your faith in me, even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was killed in your city where Satan lives.