Letters to the Churches

according as each hath received a gift, ministering it among yourselves, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God;

if any man speaketh, speaking as it were oracles of God; if any man ministereth, ministering as of the strength which God supplieth: that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, whose is the glory and the dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial among you, which cometh upon you to prove you, as though a strange thing happened unto you:

but insomuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings, rejoice; that at the revelation of his glory also ye may rejoice with exceeding joy.

If ye are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are ye; because the Spirit of glory and the Spirit of God resteth upon you.

For let none of you suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or an evil-doer, or as a meddler in other men’s matters:

but if a man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God in this name.

For the time is come for judgment to begin at the house of God: and if it begin first at us, what shall be the end of them that obey not the gospel of God?

And if the righteous is scarcely saved, where shall the ungodly and sinner appear?

Wherefore let them also that suffer according to the will of God commit their souls in well-doing unto a faithful Creator.

The elders therefore among you I exhort, who am a fellow-elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, who am also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:

Tend the flock of God which is among you, exercising the oversight, not of constraint, but willingly, according to the will of God; nor yet for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;

neither as lording it over the charge allotted to you, but making yourselves ensamples to the flock.

And when the chief Shepherd shall be manifested, ye shall receive the crown of glory that fadeth not away.

Likewise, ye younger, be subject unto the elder. Yea, all of you gird yourselves with humility, to serve one another: for God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble.

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time;

casting all your anxiety upon him, because he careth for you.

Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

whom withstand stedfast in your faith, knowing that the same sufferings are accomplished in your brethren who are in the world.

And the God of all grace, who called you unto his eternal glory in Christ, after that ye have suffered a little while, shall himself perfect, establish, strengthen you.

To him be the dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

By Silvanus, our faithful brother, as I accounthim, I have written unto you briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God: stand ye fast therein.

She that is in Babylon, elect together with you, saluteth you; and so doth Mark my son.

Salute one another with a kiss of love. Peace be unto you all that are in Christ.

Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained a like precious faith with us in the righteousness of our God and the Saviour Jesus Christ: