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1 PETER
1 Peter 1:1-2
I, Peter, am writing this letter to Jewish believers who have been scattered throughout five provinces in Asia Minor. I wish that God will bless them.
Godhas done great things foryou. Althoughyouarenow enduring trials to test your faith, youare rejoicing aboutyour salvation. That salvation is something thatthe prophets who lived long ago did not fully understand.
Youmust live holyand reverent lives and love eachother, becauseChristhas bought youandgivenyoua new life.
Do not act maliciously or be hypocrites. God is joining you together into a holy group in which his Spirit lives, to do things that are pleasing to him.
Avoid obeying your self-directed natures. Conduct your lives ina good way among unbelievers.
Submit yourselvesto human authorities, and act as servants ofGodshould.
You slaves must submit yourselves toyour masters, even if they mistreat you. Imitate Christ inthewayinwhichhe suffered unjustly.
You women should submit yourselves to your husbands, even if they are not believers, and make your inner beings/hearts beautiful with qualities that will not fade away.
Youmenmust live inan appropriate waywithyour wives, sothatnothingwill hinder your prayers.
Agree witheach other, love each other, be humble, and bless thosewhodo evil thingstoyou instead of retaliating.
Do good thingstoothers, evenifyou suffer fordoingit, asChristdid.
Think as Christ did when he suffered, and conduct your lives as God wants you to, not doing the immoral things that you used to do.
Keep thinking sensibly. Love eachother earnestly. Provide hospitality toothers. Use yourspiritual gifts well. Be kind tootherswithallthe energy thatyouhave.
Donotbe surprised whenyou suffer forbeingChristians, anddonotbe ashamed whenthat happens. Instead, commit yourselvestoGod.
You elders must care for your congregations with enthusiasm, not being greedy for money or acting like bosses. Instead, be examples to them.
Resist the devil byalwaysbeing alert and trusting in Christ's message, remembering that believers everywhere arealso suffering asyouare.
Ihave written this short message to encourage you. The believers here, including Mark, greet you. May God give you inner peace.

Note: The Old Testament in this translation is still being worked on, and is in draft form. Updates will be posted at eBible.org/t4t/.

© 2008-2017 Ellis W. Deibler, Jr.