14If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.15Indeed, none of you should suffer as a murderer or thief or wrongdoer, or even as a meddler.16But if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but glorify God that you bear that name.17For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who disobey the gospel of God?

19So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should entrust their souls to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

Instructions to Elders

1As a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings, and a partaker of the glory to be revealed, I appeal to the elders among you:2Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them not out of compulsion, but because it is God’s will; not out of greed, but out of eagerness;3not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.4And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

6Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you.7Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.

8Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.9Resist him, standing firm in your faith and in the knowledge that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering.

Benediction and Farewell

10And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore you, secure you, strengthen you, and establish you.11To Him be the power forever and ever. Amen.

12Through Silvanus, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it.13The church in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you greetings, as does my son Mark.14Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.

A Greeting from Peter

1Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours:2Grace and peace be multiplied to you through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.

Partakers of the Divine Nature

3His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.4Through these He has given us His precious and magnificent promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, now that you have escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.5For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge;6and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness;7and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.8For if you possess these qualities and continue to grow in them, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.9But whoever lacks these traits is nearsighted to the point of blindness, having forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.10Therefore, brothers, strive to make your calling and election sure. For if you practice these things you will never stumble,11and you will receive a lavish reception into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

12Therefore I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are established in the truth you now have.13I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of my body,14because I know that this tent will soon be laid aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me.15And I will make every effort to ensure that after my departure, you will be able to recall these things at all times.

Eyewitnesses of His Majesty

16For we did not follow cleverly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty.17For He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to Him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”18And we ourselves heard this voice from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.

19We also have the word of the prophets as confirmed beyond doubt. And you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.20Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture comes from one’s own interpretation.21For no such prophecy was ever brought forth by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

Deliverance from False Prophets

1Now there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves.2Many will follow in their depravity, and because of them the way of truth will be defamed.3In their greed, these false teachers will exploit you with deceptive words. The longstanding verdict against them remains in force, and their destruction does not sleep.

4For if God did not spare the angels when they sinned, but cast them deep into hell, placing them in chains of darkness to be held for judgment;