Letters to the Churches

As every man hath received grace, ministering the same one to another: as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

If any man speak, let him speak, as the words of God. If any minister, let him do it, as of the power which God administereth: that in all things God may be honoured through Jesus Christ: to whom is glory and empire for ever and ever. Amen.

Dearly beloved, think not strange the burning heat which is to try you: as if some new thing happened to you.

But if you partake of the sufferings of Christ, rejoice that, when his glory shall be revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.

If you be reproached for the name of Christ, you shall be blessed: for that which is of the honour, glory and power of God, and that which is his Spirit resteth upon you.

But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or a railer or coveter of other men's things.

But, if as a Christian, let him not be ashamed: but let him glorify God in that name.

For the time is, that judgment should begin at the house of God. And if at first at us, what shall be the end of them that believe not the gospel of God?

And if the just man shall scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?

Wherefore let them also that suffer according to the will of God commend their souls in good deeds to the faithful Creator.

The ancients therefore that are among you, I beseech who am myself also an ancient and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as also a partaker of that glory which is to be revealed in time to come:

Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking care of it, not by constraint but willingly, according to God: not for filthy lucre's sake but voluntarily:

Neither as lording it over the clergy but being made a pattern of the flock from the heart.

And when the prince of pastors shall appear, you shall receive a never fading crown of glory.

In like manner, ye young men, be subject to the ancients. And do you all insinuate humility one to another: for God resisteth the proud, but to the humble he giveth grace.

Be you humbled therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in the time of visitation:

Casting all your care upon him, for he hath care of you.

Be sober and watch: because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, goeth about seeking whom he may devour.

Whom resist ye, strong in faith: knowing that the same affliction befalls, your brethren who are in the world.

But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory in Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a little, will himself perfect you and confirm you and establish you.

To him be glory and empire, for ever and ever. Amen.

By Sylvanus, a faithful brother unto you, as I think, I have written briefly: beseeching and testifying that this is the true grace of God, wherein you stand.

The church that is in Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you. And so doth my son, Mark.

Salute one another with a holy kiss. Grace be to all you who are in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Simon Peter, servant and apostle of Jesus Christ: to them that have obtained equal faith with us in the justice of our God and Saviour Jesus Christ.