So as your fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings and as one who shares in the glory that will be revealed, I urge the elders among you:

In the same way, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.

Whoever speaks, let it be with God’s words. Whoever serves, do so with the strength that God supplies, so that in everything God will be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.

They were shown that they were serving not themselves but you, in regard to the things now announced to you through those who proclaimed the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven – things angels long to catch a glimpse of.

So they are astonished when you do not rush with them into the same flood of wickedness, and they vilify you.

So then let those who suffer according to the will of God entrust their souls to a faithful Creator as they do good.

But if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but glorify God that you bear such a name.

when they see your pure and reverent conduct.

Finally, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, affectionate, compassionate, and humble.

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

They probed into what person or time the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating when he testified beforehand about the sufferings appointed for Christ and his subsequent glory.

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

and maintain good conduct among the non-Christians, so that though they now malign you as wrongdoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God when he appears.

For the culmination of all things is near. So be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of prayer.

Above all keep your love for one another fervent, because love covers a multitude of sins.

And do not lord it over those entrusted to you, but be examples to the flock.

And yearn like newborn infants for pure, spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up to salvation,

who went into heaven and is at the right hand of God with angels and authorities and powers subject to him.

Be sober and alert. Your enemy the devil, like a roaring lion, is on the prowl looking for someone to devour.

Such trials show the proven character of your faith, which is much more valuable than gold – gold that is tested by fire, even though it is passing away – and will bring praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.