Greet one another with a loving kiss. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.

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

Dear friends, I urge you as foreigners and exiles to keep away from fleshly desires that do battle against the soul,

but the inner person of the heart, the lasting beauty of a gentle and tranquil spirit, which is precious in God’s sight.

But in fact, if you happen to suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. But do not be terrified of them or be shaken.

And if you address as Father the one who impartially judges according to each one’s work, live out the time of your temporary residence here in reverence.

Do not return evil for evil or insult for insult, but instead bless others because you were called to inherit a blessing.

Give a shepherd’s care to God’s flock among you, exercising oversight not merely as a duty but willingly under God’s direction, not for shameful profit but eagerly.

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.

Through Silvanus, whom I know to be a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, in order to encourage you and testify that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it.

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.