1Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the exiles scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2Chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, and sanctified by the Spirit for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by his blood: Grace and peace be multiplied to you. 3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who by his abundant mercy has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4To an imperishable and undefiled inheritance, that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5Who are guarded by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a time you may have to suffer various trials: 7That the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold, which perishes, though it is tested by fire, might be found to result in praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. 8Though you have not seen him, you love him; and though you do not see him now, yet you believe in him and rejoice with inexpressible and glorious joy: 9Receiving the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 10Of this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that should come to you enquired and searched diligently: 11Seeking to find to whom and when the Spirit of Christ within them was pointing, when he testified beforehand of the sufferings of Christ, and the glories that should follow. 12It was revealed to them that they did not serve themselves, but you, in the things which have now been made known to you by those who preached the gospel to you through the Holy Spirit sent down from heaven; things into which angels desire to look. 13Therefore gird up your minds, be sober, and fix your hope fully on the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14Live as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the lusts of your former ignorance: 15But as he who has called you is holy, so be holy in all your conduct; 16Because it is written, Be holy; for I am holy. 17And if you address as Father the one who without partiality judges according to every man's work, then pass the time of your stay on earth in reverent fear: 18For you know that you were not redeemed with perishable things, such as silver and gold, from the vain way of life you inherited from your fathers; 19But with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish and without spot: 20Who was chosen before the foundation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for you, 21Who through him believe in God, who raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. 22Since you have purified your souls by obeying the truth, so you have a sincere love of the brethren; love one another fervently from the heart. 23You have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, by the word of God, which lives and abides forever. 24For, All flesh is like grass, and all its glory is like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls away, 25But the word of the Lord endures forever. And this is the word that was preached to you.