Chapter 1
1 I am Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ. I am writing to you, exiles, who now live in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. You are God’s chosen people.
2 God is your Father. He chose you in advance and made you holy by His Spirit. He did this so that you would become obedient to Him and so that the Blood of Jesus Christ would cleanse you from sin. May grace and peace be multiplied in your lives.
3 Blessed be God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. When He raised Christ from the dead, in His great mercy He gave us new life. Now we have a hope that will never fade away.
4 An eternal inheritance from God awaits you in heaven. It is unstained by sin, and it will never disappear.
5 You believe in Christ, and that is why God protects you with His power. He has already prepared salvation for you, which you will receive in the last days when Jesus returns to earth.
6 And you are glad about all of this, even though you are now a little distressed because you are going through various trials.
7 When we face difficulties, our faith is tested, just as gold is purified by fire to remove impurities. But tested faith is far more precious than gold that has no lasting value. When Jesus Christ comes to earth, God will praise you for persevering in faith during trials. He will reward you, and you will enter His glory.
8 You have never seen Jesus, but you love Him and believe in Him. This fills you with such wonderful joy that no words can express it, because it shines with the glory of God.
9 And finally, through your faith you receive the salvation of your souls.
10 The prophets of the Old Testament spoke of this salvation when they predicted that God had prepared His grace for you. The prophets wanted to know more and understand better when and how the Lord would save people from sin.
11 The Spirit of Christ filled the prophets when they predicted the sufferings of Christ and His glory that would follow after that. The prophets wanted to find out the time and circumstances to which this Spirit was pointing.
12 God revealed to the prophets that they were speaking not for their own generation, but for us, for those who would live in the future. Today their prophecies have been fulfilled. God sent the Holy Spirit from heaven so that you would hear the Good News about Christ that the preachers shared with you. Even angels would like to understand how God saves us through His grace.
13 Do not become spiritually sleepy or lose interest in spiritual matters. Instead, pay attention to your spiritual condition. Fully rely on God’s grace to see Jesus Christ when He comes back to earth.
14 You are God’s children, so obey God as your Father. Do not return to your old life, when you did not know Christ and obeyed your sinful desires.
15 Instead, your life should now reflect God’s holiness in everything you do, because the Holy God has called you to Himself.
16 The Scripture says, “Live a holy life, because I am holy” (Leviticus 19:2).
17 You call God your Father, who judges each person with justice according to his deeds. Remember that life on earth is short, and you will have to answer to God for your every action.
18 You know that neither gold nor silver can compare with the price God paid for you. He gave you a new life, so do not waste it like those generations who lived without God.
19 God has paid for you with the precious blood of Christ. Christ became the sacrifice for our sins, as the perfect Lamb without any blemish.
20 God chose Christ before He created this world. And in these last days, Christ came to earth for you.
21 Because of Christ, you believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and glorified Him. Now you live by faith and put your hope in God.
22 God has purified your souls, and now you act according to the truth that the Spirit has revealed to you. So, show sincere love to all believers and always love one another from a pure heart.
23 Every person is born and dies. But you have been born again from the seed of God’s Word, which is alive, eternal, and not subject to time or death. Now you have a new life with God that will never end.
24 Scripture says, “Human life is passing fast, like grass that withers quickly. All his beauty and accomplishments vanish as fast as flowers fade” (Isaiah 40:6-8).
25 But the Word of the Lord lives forever. This is the Word you believed when you heard the Good News about Christ.
Chapter 2
1 So, stop doing evil, lying, and being hypocritical. Do not envy each other or spread slander.
2 As newborn babies cannot live without milk, so you cannot live without the Word of God. Love the Word of God and feed on this pure spiritual milk so that you can grow spiritually and gain salvation.
3 Now you know how good the Lord is.
4 When you came to Christ, you became part of God’s spiritual temple, where Christ is the living cornerstone. People rejected Christ, but God chose Him and made Him precious.
5 You yourselves are like the living stones. God is building you into His spiritual temple. There you serve God as priests and offer spiritual sacrifices that God accepts through Jesus Christ.
6 God said in Scripture about Christ, “On Mount Zion in Jerusalem I lay the cornerstone that I have chosen and made precious. The one who believes in Him will never be disappointed” (Isaiah 28:16).
7 For you believers, Christ is truly precious. But for unbelievers, He is the very cornerstone that the builders declared unsuitable and rejected, but it has become the most important foundation stone of God’s spiritual temple (Psalm 118:22).
8 Scripture also says, “For unbelievers, Christ has become the very stone over which they stumble and fall. He has become the rock on which they are broken to pieces. They refuse to obey God’s Word, and this will bring them terrible consequences that they will not be able to escape” (Isaiah 8:14–15).
9 But you are God’s chosen family and priests of the King. You are a holy nation, a people God has called His own. He has called you out of darkness into His wonderful light so that you can tell others about His mighty works.
10 In the past you were not part of God’s people, but now God has made you His people. Before you did not know what God’s mercy was, but now He has shown mercy to you and forgiven you.
11 My dear friends, you still live on earth, but you are already citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven. So I ask you not to obey your sinful desires that fight against your soul.
12 Instead, behave in the best way you can, because you live among nations that do not know God. They may falsely accuse you of doing evil. So live in such a way that they see your good deeds. Then God will touch their hearts, and on that day they will glorify His name.
13 The Lord wants you to obey the authorities. Submit to the king as the head of the nation.
14 Obey also those whom the king appoints to positions of authority. They must punish those who do evil and encourage those who do good.
15 God wants us to do good. In this way, we can put an end to the ridiculous accusations spread by foolish people who lack common sense.
16 God has given us freedom from the slavery of sin, and now we belong to God. But we must not use this freedom to justify our bad deeds. Instead, we must serve God as His slaves.
17 Appreciate every person and love all believers. Treat God with deep reverence and show respect to the king.
18 Servants, obey your masters and treat them with all respect. Obey not only those who treat you kindly and humanely, but also those who treat you harshly or unfairly.
19 It is precious to God when a person remains faithful to Him and patiently endures unjust treatment.
20 Surely, there is nothing good in suffering for your own wrongdoing. But if you do good and patiently endure unfair treatment, that is precious to God.
21 This is exactly what God has called you to do. Christ suffered for us, although He was righteous. He left us an example so that we could follow in His steps.
22 Christ never sinned or deceived anyone.
23 When people insulted Him, He did not insult them back. When He suffered undeservedly, He did not threaten those who harmed Him. Instead, He put His hope in God, who judges every person fairly.
24 Christ Himself took our sins upon Himself and carried them in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and start living in the right way. By the wounds of Christ you have been healed.
25 You used to be like sheep that went astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd who cares for your souls.
Chapter 3
1 In the same way, you wives, live in harmony with your husbands and accept their leadership with respect. If some of them do not want to listen to the Good News about Christ, you can set an example and lead them to faith without words.
2 When your husbands see how rightly you live and how seriously you treat God, they may also open their hearts to Christ.
3 Neither a hairstyle, nor gold jewelry, nor fine clothes make a woman truly beautiful.
4 Instead, true beauty is revealed in her heart and character, not in her outward appearance. God values inner beauty, which never fades. So, be kind and maintain a calm spirit in every situation.
5 Scripture speaks of women whose beauty came from their hearts. They dedicated their lives to God and put their hope in Him. So they lived in harmony with their husbands and accepted their leadership with respect.
6 Sarah accepted her husband’s authority and respectfully called Abraham her master. You are her true daughters if you follow her example and do not allow any fear to prevent you from doing what is right.
7 In the same way, you husbands, treat your wives with understanding. Appreciate them and handle them gently, like fragile vessels, so that your prayers are not hindered or left unanswered. Remember that your wives, together with you, inherit the life that God has given you by His grace.
8 Now I appeal to all of you. Live in harmony, be compassionate, and love one another as brothers. Be kind to one another and do not put yourselves above others.
9 Do not harm those who have harmed you, and do not insult those who insult you. Instead, bless them. You know that this is what God has called you to do, so that you may inherit His blessing.
10 The Scripture says, “If you want to enjoy life and live prosperously and happily, do not speak evil or false words.
11 Never do evil, but instead, always do good. Value peace above all else and do your best to live in peace with all people.
12 The Lord sees those who believe in Him and are eager to do what is right, and He hears their prayers. But the Lord is against those who do evil” (Psalm 34:13–17).
13 Who will harm you if you strive to do good?
14 But even if people treat you unfairly and you suffer for doing what is right, do not be discouraged, because God will bless you for it. So, do not be afraid of those who threaten you, and do not worry if people harm you.
15 Christ is your Lord. So dedicate your hearts only to Him. Always be ready for someone to ask you why you believe in God and put your hope in Him. In such a case, answer each person calmly and respectfully.
16 Act according to your conscience. Do good and live in such a way that glorifies Christ. Then those who spread slander about you or falsely accuse you of doing evil will be ashamed.
17 But if this is part of God’s plan, you may suffer unjustly for doing what is right. Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.
18 Consider what Christ did to bring us to God. At a particular time, He suffered for our sins. He never sinned, yet He took our sins upon Himself and died for all sinners. But God’s Spirit raised Christ back to life.
19 By this Spirit Christ went down into the spiritual prison to preach to the souls of those people who lived in Noah’s time.
20 They ended up in this prison because they refused to submit to God. For almost a hundred years, Noah built the ark, which looked like a huge three-story ship. All this time, God patiently waited for people to turn to Him. But during the flood, only Noah’s family of eight was saved. They were Noah, his wife, their three sons — Shem, Ham, and Japheth — and their wives.
21 Now this story symbolizes water baptism. Baptism is not a washing of the body with water, but a sign that a person has already turned to God. Those who are being baptized promise to serve God with a clear conscience. During baptism, we show that we believe in the risen Jesus Christ, who gave us salvation.
22 Christ went up to heaven, and now He sits in the most honorable place at the right hand of God. Angels and all who have authority and power are subject to Christ.
Chapter 4
1 Just as Christ suffered physically for us, so you should also focus on the same thought. The one who suffers because of his faith in Christ has already turned away from sin.
2 Then you will no longer follow your sinful desires and will be able to live the rest of your life as God wants.
3 When you lived apart from Christ, like other Gentiles, you acted as you wished. You indulged in sexual immorality, followed your sinful desires, and got drunk. You led a wild lifestyle, enjoyed wild parties, and worshiped idols, which are detestable to God.
4 Those who continue to live in sin are surprised that you no longer follow the same immoral lifestyle as before. So they insult you and spread slander against you.
5 But they will answer for their actions before God, who will soon judge the living and the dead.
6 Those who are spiritually dead cannot escape God’s judgment. After death, they will stand before God and receive what they deserve according to their deeds. That is why we preach the Good News about Christ to them so that they will turn to the Lord, receive new life in the Holy Spirit, and begin to live for God.
7 Everything that exists in this world is coming to its end. So act wisely and soundly. Set aside time for prayer, so that you do not lose interest in spiritual matters.
8 The most important thing is to love one another with a pure heart. Through love, you will be able to forgive others for all their mistakes and imperfections.
9 Welcome your guests warmly and hospitably, without feeling annoyed or dissatisfied.
10 Each of you has received a gift from God to serve others. So, use these various gifts that God has entrusted to you by His grace to benefit others.
11 If any of you have the ability to preach, he should faithfully and accurately convey to others what God wants to say. If there is anyone among you who can minister to others, he should not rely on his own strength, but on the strength that God gives him. Then everything you do in the name of Jesus Christ will bring glory to God. He is worthy to be praised forever for His power and authority. Amen.
12 My dear friends, it is not surprising if you face serious trials or sufferings because of your faith in Christ. Remember that every trial shows how strong your faith is.
13 So, rejoice when you suffer for Christ’s sake. It means you will be even more excited about the Lord, and your joy will grow when He comes to earth in His glory.
14 Perhaps others insult you now or spread slander against you because you believe in Christ. In that case, remember that God has given you His Spirit, who fills your life with all His glory. And it means you are blessed.
15 Believers must not do evil, otherwise they will receive the punishment they deserve. So none of you should be involved in murder, theft, or any other crime. You should also not interfere in other people’s affairs or cause them trouble.
16 But if you follow Christ and suffer because someone treats you unfairly, you have nothing to be ashamed of. Instead, rejoice, because you have the opportunity to glorify God.
17 The time for judgment has already come. Judgment begins with those who belong to God’s family. And if God justly judges even us, the believers, then what terrible end awaits those who reject His Good News about Christ?
18 If even the one who believes in Jesus goes through trials and sufferings before receiving salvation, then how can someone who rejects God and lives in sin be saved?
19 So, if you follow Christ and suffer because someone treats you unfairly, it’s part of God’s plan. Trust your lives to God and keep doing good, because God created you, and He will never let you down.
Chapter 5
1 I witnessed Christ’s suffering on the cross. And when He returns to earth, I will see God’s glory along with all believers. Now I want to address pastors and church elders like me.
2 You should care for believers who belong to God, as shepherds care for their flock. Serve people with sincere desire, not out of a sense of duty. In this way, you will fulfill God’s will. Don’t use your position for personal gain. Instead, make every effort to serve others with pure intentions.
3 The Church does not belong to you, but to God. So do not put yourselves above others. Instead, set an example for all believers and lead them as a shepherd leads his flock.
4 And when the Great Shepherd returns to earth, you will receive a reward. This reward will never fade, and it will shine like a crown in the rays of God’s glory.
5 I also want to address those believers who have not yet reached spiritual maturity. You should recognize the spiritual authority of those who lead the church and submit to their teaching. I also address all of you, believers. Treat one another with respect and consider one another’s interests. Remember that God resists those who behave proudly. But God gives His grace to those who show humility.
6 Humble yourselves before God and submit to His authority. Then at the appointed time He will lift you up with His mighty hand.
7 God cares for you. So trust Him and give all your worries and concerns into His hands.
8 The devil is your enemy who prowls like a roaring lion. He seeks the right moment to attack and tear someone apart. So pay attention to your spiritual condition and do not become spiritually sleepy or lose interest in spiritual matters.
9 Do not give up when the devil attacks you. Instead, firmly believe in God’s Word. In this way, you will be able to repel all Satan’s attacks. Know that you are not the only ones who suffer from his attacks, but other believers around the world suffer as well.
10 Because of what Jesus Christ did, God called us to Himself so that we could enter His eternal glory. So, God gives us all the grace we need to endure all temporary difficulties and sufferings. The time will come when all your sufferings will be left behind. Then God Himself will restore you, strengthen you, and make you empower you, so that you will believe firmly and not doubt.
11 God is worthy to be glorified forever for His power and authority. Amen.
12 I believe that your brother Silouan serves the Lord faithfully, and he helped me write you this short letter. I wanted to strengthen your faith. So, I say with full confidence that God has filled your hearts with His true grace, in which you now live.
13 God has chosen the church in Babylon just as He has chosen you, and the church sends you greetings. Mark, who is like a son to me, also greets you.
14 As a sign of love, greet one another with a brotherly kiss. May God fill the hearts of all who believe in Jesus Christ with His peace. Amen.