New American Bible - Revised Edition/The First Letter of Peter

**The First Letter of Peter**, as translated by the Co-Fraternity of Christian Doctrine in the New American Bible - Revised Edition.

## NOTE

Currently, The New American Bible - Revised Edition's The New Testament text is the exact same as the New American Bible's text, as it is based from the 1986 Revised New Testament. An upcoming revision of The New Testament for The New American Bible - Revised Edition is currently ongoing, and it is expected to be finished sometime around the year 2025 or later, pending approving from the Bishops and the Vatican.

Should it happen, the text here will be changed to reflect the new revision that would make The New American Bible - Revised Edition wholly a revised edition of The New American Bible that is worthy of its name, whereas the original New American Bible article will retain the 1986 New Testament Revision Text.

## READING GUIDES FOR THE BOOK OF REVELATION IN THE NEW AMERICAN BIBLE - REVISED EDITION

Here are the following Reading Guides for The Epistle of Jude in The New American Bible - Revised Edition.

## READING GUIDE (THE CATHOLIC STUDY BIBLE - THIRD EDITION)

 **1 PETER**

 **[see pages 1728–1735 of the New Testament]**

 **BEFORE BEGINNING. . .**

**First Peter** bears all the marks of a real letter. It was written to Christians
scattered throughout the provinces of Asia Minor. Although written in clear
and even elegant Greek, and although containing an exhortation and witness
**(1 Peter 5:12)** at once simple and profound, **1 Peter** is given far less attention than it
deserves. Partly this is because many contemporary scholars think that the
letter is pseudonymous and a product of second generation rather than
primitive Christianity **(see,** **for** **example,** **NABRE** **introduction,** **pp.** **1728–**
**1729).** There are, however, excellent reasons for considering Peter the
disciple to have been the author of **1 Peter.** In any case, the authority of
New Testament writings does not derive from the identity of the author.
Whether it was the apostle or someone writing in his name, this letter
speaks powerfully to a situation of early believers and retains enduring
value for readers in every age.

### A Letter to the Gentile Christians

Since the letter is addressed to Christians spread over a large geographical
area **(1 Peter 1:1),** we do not expect the detailed treatment of local problems. By
reading between the lines, however, we are able to learn something about
the shared characteristics of First Peter’s readers. They seem to have been
recently converted. Peter reminds them repeatedly of their former life of
vice **(1 Peter 1:18–1 Peter 1:20;** **And** **1 Peter 4:3–1 Peter 4:4),** as well as their initiation into the messianic
community through baptism **(1 Peter 1:3;** **1 Peter 1:22–1 Peter 2:3).** They seem, furthermore, to be
direct converts from paganism rather than from Judaism. They were
themselves Gentiles and continued to live among the symbols and social
structures of the Roman Empire. They inevitably felt pulled between an
allegiance to their new calling and an attraction to the values of the world
they had left. They were, finally, converts who were experiencing suffering.
On the basis of **1 Peter 4:12,** some have considered this to be a state-sponsored
persecution such as was later the lot of Christians. But Peter’s positive view
of the state **(1 Peter 2:12–1 Peter 2:17)** does not fit that reconstruction. It is more likely that
Peter’s readers were experiencing the sort of verbal abuse and social
ostracism that Christians experienced from the beginning. The suffering
was no less serious. Martyrdom is painful but swift. The corrosion of
confidence is slower but terribly effective.

### Christian Apologetic

**First Peter** can best be understood as a form of apologetic literature. This
form of writing originated among Diaspora Jews and was taken over by
Christians. Ostensibly it explains one’s distinctive beliefs to the wider world
in terms outsiders can understand. Indirectly, it supports community
identity. **First Peter** has many of the characteristics of this genre. It is
positive and open to the dominant culture. Christians are not to flee the
world or its structures. They are to be good citizens within those social
structures. And they are to be ready to demonstrate by their behavior and
their speech that they pose no threat to others **(1 Peter 3:15–1 Peter 3:16).**

At the same time, Peter works to build up the identity of the community.
He reminds his readers that they are called to holiness and a standard of
behavior higher than that of their neighbors **(1 Peter 2:11–1 Peter 2:12; 1 Peter 4:1–1 Peter 4:2).** He reminds
them of the fundamental transformation they had undergone in their
baptism. He assures them that although they are “sojourners” in the world
**(1 Peter 2:11),** they are part of the “household of God” **(1 Peter 2:4–1 Peter 2:5;** **And** **1 Peter 4:17).** In so doing,
Peter appropriates for these new Gentile believers all the scriptural titles
and symbols used of Israel, to give them a sense of continuity with God’s
people, even though once they were “no people.” In **1 Peter** we observe a
thoroughly Gentile Christianity regarding itself as the “New Israel,” taking
up a place in the Diaspora not against the world but as a witness to the
world.

### The Greeting (1 Peter 1:1–1 Peter 1:2)

The greeting of this circular letter establishes more than the simple
identification of author and addressees. No need to elaborate the simple
designation, “Peter, apostle of Jesus Christ,” for Peter’s authority is
unquestioned **(see,** **in** **contrast,** **2 Peter).** But the “diaspora” of Asia Minor
has religious as well as geographical connotations. We see here a theme
found also in James and Hebrews and in the Christian literature of the
second century: Christians are in exile from their true homeland in heaven
so long as they are on earth. They are, in fact, “sojourners” precisely
because they have been “chosen” by God and have an identity distinct from
that of their neighbors. They should therefore cultivate attitudes appropriate
to exiles and pilgrims **(see,** **e.g.,** **1 Peter: 2:11).** The greeting also reminds the
readers of the rich complexity of their experience of God: The Father has
chosen them; the Son saved them by his obedient sacrifice; and the Spirit
has sanctified them.

### The Gift and Call of God (1 Peter 1:3–1 Peter 1:21)

The opening prayer **(1 Peter 1:3–1 Peter 1:9)** is based on the blessing formula of Jewish
worship: God is blessed for his gifts to humans. In this case, Peter gives
thanks for the new life his readers have been granted through the
resurrection of Jesus. Their new life is real, yet not complete. Their
inheritance is one that is kept for them in heaven **(1 Peter 1:4f).** They, of course,
still remain on earth. This tension establishes them as pilgrims and
sojourners. As their salvation “waits for them,” so also must they “wait for
it.” In the meantime, they must experience the trials and sufferings inherent
to the life of faith **(1 Peter 1:6f).** Peter places his readers between the “already” of
God’s grace and the “not yet” of salvation fully achieved **(1 Peter 1:9),** in a manner
typical of New Testament writings. But what they hope for is secure, a
“living hope” **(1 Peter 1:3)** because it is based not simply in human longing but in
the “power of God” at work among them **(1 Peter 1:5).**

Despite the fact that his readers have converted from paganism, Peter
inserts them into the story of Israel. In speaking of an “inheritance in
heaven,” Peter implies a contrast to the “inheritance of the land,” which was
the hope of Israel. Likewise, **1 Peter 1:10–1 Peter 1:12** develops a contrast between stages in
the story. Peter asserts that the prophets of old did not speak of their own
times **(1 Peter 1:12)** but spoke of the “sufferings destined for Christ and the glories
to follow them” **(1 Peter 1:11).** Three aspects of this striking statement deserve
notice. First, the superiority of the Christians’ present experience is clearly
asserted; as in Hebrews the claims of the earlier covenant are made
secondary. What the Christians have received in the gospel transcends even
what angels can know **(1 Peter 1:12)!** Second, Scripture is taken over completely as
messianic prophecy. Everything in Scripture points to Jesus. Third, as in
**Luke-Acts,** the pattern of the Messiah is spelled out in terms of “suffering,
then glory.” That his readers must follow after this same pattern becomes
explicit later in the letter.

Having asserted the reality of God’s gift, Peter now sketches the
demands it places on those who receive it **(1 Peter 1:13–1 Peter 1:21).** They are to direct their
lives by the new form of existence given to them. This means a radical
obedience to the giver of the gift, an obedience spelled out in terms of
holiness **(1 Peter 1:15f).** As their lives have changed, so must their behavior. They
must not act as they formerly did but are to become “different.” They are to
shape themselves in a manner consonant with the one who called them with
the gift of the “precious blood of Christ” **(1 Peter 1:19).** Peter again calls his
readers “sojourners” **(1 Peter 1:17).** Jews of the Diaspora were to be different from
pagans; Christians are to be “different” (holy) in the world as they wait for
the fulfillment of their salvation **(see** **1 Peter 1:9).** They are not defined by the
norms of others **(1 Peter 1:14,** **And** **1 Peter 1:18)** but by their allegiance to God, so that “your faith
and hope are in God” **(1 Peter 1:21).**

### A Gospel People (1 Peter 1:22–2:10)

To strengthen their grasp on their special identity Peter reminds his readers
of the basis of their new life in “the living and abiding word of God” **(1 Peter 1:23).**
By this, Peter explicitly means the good news **(1 Peter 1:25).** This is the message of
a crucified Messiah who was raised to new life. By the obedient acceptance
of that strange proclamation, they were given “new birth” **(1 Peter 1:23).**
Immediately, however, Peter asserts the need for them to grow. The
“spiritual milk” they now imbibe is appropriate to new converts who have
just “tasted and seen that the Lord is good” **(see** **also** **1 Corinthians 3:1–1 Corinthians 3:3;** **And** **Hebrews**
**6:13),** but they are to mature “in Christ” by patterning their life according to
a new standard of moral behavior. They must leave aside deceit in favor of
truth, envy in favor of love.

Peter is not only concerned with the transformation of individuals, but,
like Paul, with the identity of the community also. In **1 Peter 2:4–1 Peter 2:10,** therefore, he
reminds them of their communal identity as God’s house and people. This
section interweaves scriptural passages and allusions. The references at the
bottom of New Testament pages provide valuable assistance. The choice of
passages is strikingly similar to that in **Romans 9:25–Romans 9:33.** It is less likely that
Peter used Romans than that both Paul and Peter used community traditions
of scriptural interpretation developed from the first days of the church.

The first set of passages **(1 Peter 2:6–1 Peter 2:8)** portrays the paradox of Christian faith.
The stone that God intended to be the basis for his people Israel was
rejected by them; yet the rejected one became the basis of a new people, a
“spiritual house” made up of living persons **(1 Peter 2:4).** The reference here is
clearly to the crucified Jesus who was a scandal (a stone of stumbling) to
his fellow Jews who expected a messiah with more obvious and impressive
credentials than suffering for others **(see** **1 Corinthians 1:18–1 Corinthians 1:23).**

For the Christian community, however, the rejected Messiah is the basis
for a new life and shared identity. In a second set of texts, Peter strings
together the most precious epithets of Torah applied to Israel as God’s
people. Now, they apply to these Gentiles, “once no people, but now God’s
people.” In the messianic community, these aliens have a home **(see** **also**
**Ephesians 2:19–Ephesians 2:22).**

Where is the place of the historical Jewish people? It must be confessed
that **1 Peter** simply does not take them into account. He appropriates the
symbols of Torah for the exclusive use of Gentile believers. Readers today
cannot expect to find in this text an answer to the many questions
concerning the relations of Christians to Jews, for **1 Peter** does not address
them.

### Life within the World’s Structures (1 Peter 2:11–1 Peter 3:7)

Christians are to maintain distance from the values of this world as “aliens
and sojourners” **(1 Peter 2:11).** At the same time, they must live within the social
structures of the world. Peter is convinced that if they are good citizens,
they will turn away from slander and persecution. The practice of “good
works” is the community’s basic witness **(1 Peter 2:12).**

Peter uses the traditional form of “household ethics” to sketch the
Christians’ social obligations. Greek philosophy had elaborated the mutual
duties of people who lived in a stratified social order. Over the empire as a
whole, the emperor was considered head of the household. In individual
families, husbands ruled wives, parents ruled children, and masters ruled
slaves. This was simply the conventional arrangement of that time. Neither
Paul **(see** **Colossians 3:18–Colossians 4:1)** nor Peter thought that the Christian message
demanded the dismantling of society’s structures.

In **1 Peter 2:13–1 Peter 2:17,** Peter portrays the empire and its agents in positive terms.
Submission to legitimate authority is both right and expedient, since the
state punishes only the wicked. Such an outlook is inconceivable if
Christians were in fact being harassed by the state as such. Yet, even here,
the relationship with God is primary. Social obligations, if they conflict
with that relationship, must give way to it: “Be free, yet without using
freedom as a pretext for evil, but as slaves of God” **(1 Peter 2:16).** Obedience to
God comes before all; and before God, all are slaves.

We might expect in the next section exhortations to both masters and
slaves **(compare** **Colossians 3:22–Colossians 4:1).** Perhaps the absence of masters says
something about the Christians’ social status. But since Peter thinks of all
Christians as slaves **(1 Peter 2:16),** this exhortation to servants becomes a general
teaching to the community at large. The most striking aspect of this
teaching is the invocation of Jesus as an explicit example to be imitated, for
all who suffer unjustly **(1 Peter 2:21–1 Peter 2:23).** Jesus not only won salvation for others
by his death on the cross. In his very manner of suffering, he provided the
model for how Christians were to act. Not only what Jesus did but also how
he did it becomes a source of life to the community.

The exhortation to wives **(1 Peter 3:1–1 Peter 3:6)** is much more extensive than that to
husbands **(1 Peter 3:7).** Traditional Jewish and Greek motifs, which stress the value
of internal virtue over external adornment, are used to support the command
to be submissive. Women are to be subordinate, we notice, not to all men,
but to their husbands **(1 Peter 3:1,** **And** **1 Peter 3:5).** In return, men are to regard women as fully
equal in their relationship before the Lord. Women are “joint heirs of the
gift of life” **(1 Peter 3:7).**

In these instructions, we do not find a divinely inspired blueprint for the
ideal social order or Christian family structure. What we find is the best
available moral teaching applied to the real world of that age. Just as the
social structures of the past cannot be transferred directly to the present,
neither can the relationships appropriate to those structures be directly
imitated. Yet for families both ancient and modern, for societies then and
now, good order, mutual respect, obedience, and authority are very much
required. The style of those structures, happily, is left to human creativity.

### Witness in a Hostile World (1 Peter 3:8–1 Peter 4:6)

The Christians of Asia Minor were not suffering persecution, torture, and
death. Their suffering was nevertheless real and painful. Social ostracism
works a slow and insidious poison into a community’s sense of identity.
They were being “insulted” **(1 Peter 3:9),** maligned and defamed **(1 Peter 3:16),** and
“vilified” **(1 Peter 4:4).** Why? Probably they were abused because they no longer
followed the ways of their neighbors **(1 Peter 4:3f).** They have become different
(holy), and people who insist on being different generate resentment.

Peter’s response to the community’s experience of suffering is
remarkable. He does not advocate withdrawal from society or hostility
toward outsiders. Instead, Christians are to remain in the world **(see** **1 Peter 2:13–**
**1 Peter 3:7)** and are to engage outsiders in dialogue. They are to be ready to “give
an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope” **(1 Peter 3:15).**
The expectation that such explanation would be helpful pays a high
compliment to the basic reasonableness and goodwill of outsiders.
Christians are also to follow the exhortation of Jesus to return a blessing for
a curse **(see** **Matthew 5:44).** In order to act in this way toward outsiders, they must
cultivate the same qualities of sympathy and love toward each other in the
community **(1 Peter 3:8).** Within their own hearts, furthermore, they are to “sanctify
Christ as Lord” **(1 Peter 3:15),** which, Peter asserts, will free them from fear of
outsiders **(1 Peter 3:14).** How will this happen?

They are to remember how Jesus not only “suffered for sins once” **(1 Peter 3:18)**
but also how he was raised from the dead in power. Using traditions found
in apocalyptic literature **(such** **as** **1 Enoch),** Peter symbolically expresses the
conviction that the resurrection was not simply an event concerning the
person Jesus but had cosmic extension. “In the spirit” Jesus went to the
spirits in prison to preach the good news **(1 Peter 3:19–1 Peter 3:22).** This dramatic
announcement is the basis for the statement in the Apostles’ Creed that says
Jesus “descended into hell.” It means that God’s power to save reaches
everywhere, even to the farthest reaches of human sin and alienation.

Peter’s immediate point, however, is that by baptism **(1 Peter 3:21),** the
Christians of Asia Minor have been given the same power. They need not
fear human slander, for the power of God is at work among them. They are
like those to whom Jesus preached after his resurrection, “though
condemned in the flesh in human estimation . . . alive in the spirit in the
estimation of God” **(1 Peter 4:6).**

### Community Attitudes (1 Peter 4:7–1 Peter 5:14)

**First Peter** does not portray the Christians’ moral situation in stark blackand-
white tones, but like most New Testament writings it has a keen sense
that the time for decision is now. The final exhortations are colored by the
conviction that “the end of all things is at hand” **(1 Peter 4:7).** The time of judgment
is soon **(1 Peter 4:17).** Therefore, Christian life means “resisting the devil” who
through affliction such as they are experiencing “seeks to devour them”
**(1 Peter 5:8f).** Such circumstances call for a “serious, sober” attitude and one that is
“vigilant” **(1 Peter 4:7;** **And** **1 Peter 5:8).** Those who experience affliction are to regard their
sufferings as a share in Christ’s own **(1 Peter 5:13f),** knowing that they will share in
his glory **(1 Peter 4:13;** **And** **1 Peter 5:10).** Within the community, attitudes of mutual service are
to prevail **(1 Peter 4:9–1 Peter 4:11),** demonstrated by good order and humility **(1 Peter 5:1–1 Peter 5:16).**

When exhorting the community’s leaders, Peter forbids lording it over
the flock. Leaders are rather to provide a positive example **(1 Peter 5:3).** The image
of the shepherd recalls the portrayal of Jesus as the “shepherd and guardian
of your souls” **(in** **1 Peter 2:25).** The connection is made explicit in **1 Peter 5:4:** with
characteristic optimism, Peter promises such good leaders that, “when the
chief Shepherd is revealed, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.”

The New Testament contains no writing more positive in its evaluation
of the world yet more compelling in its call to holiness than **1 Peter.** As
Martin Luther correctly noted, it is one of the New Testament compositions
that truly “show thee Christ.”

L.T.J.

### FURTHER READING

**Achtemeier, P. J. 1 Peter: A Commentary on First Peter. Edited by E. J. Epp. Hermeneia.**
Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1996.

**Elliot, John H. 1 Peter. Anchor Bible 37B. New Haven: Yale University Press, 2000.**

**Kelly, J. N. D. A Commentary on the Epistles of Peter and Jude. Harper New Testament**
Commentary. New York: Harper & Row, 1969.

**Senior, Donald. 1 Peter. Sacra Pagina. Collegeville, MD: Liturgical Press, 2003.**

## INTRODUCTION

###  **THE FIRST LETTER OF PETER**

This letter begins with an address by Peter to Christian communities located in five provinces of Asia Minor (1 Pt 1:1), including areas evangelized by Paul (Acts 16:6–7; 18:23). Christians there are encouraged to remain faithful to their standards of belief and conduct in spite of threats of persecution. Numerous allusions in the letter suggest that the churches addressed were largely of Gentile composition (1 Pt 1:14, 18; 2:9–10; 4:3–4), though considerable use is made of the Old Testament (1 Pt 1:24; 2:6–7, 9–10, 22; 3:10–12).

The contents following the address both inspire and admonish these “chosen sojourners” (1 Pt 1:1) who, in seeking to live as God’s people, feel an alienation from their previous religious roots and the society around them. Appeal is made to Christ’s resurrection and the future hope it provides (1 Pt 1:3–5) and to the experience of baptism as new birth (1 Pt 1:3, 23–25; 3:21). The suffering and death of Christ serve as both source of salvation and example (1 Pt 1:19; 2:21–25; 3:18). What Christians are in Christ, as a people who have received mercy and are to proclaim and live according to God’s call (1 Pt 2:9–10), is repeatedly spelled out for all sorts of situations in society (1 Pt 2:11–17), work (even as slaves, 1 Pt 2:18–20), the home (1 Pt 3:1–7), and general conduct (1 Pt 3:8–12; 4:1–11). But over all hangs the possibility of suffering as a Christian (1 Pt 3:13–17). In 1 Pt 4:12–19 persecution is described as already occurring, so that some have supposed the letter was addressed both to places where such a “trial by fire” was already present and to places where it might break out.

The letter constantly mingles moral exhortation (paraklēsis) with its catechetical summaries of mercies in Christ. Encouragement to fidelity in spite of suffering is based upon a vision of the meaning of Christian existence. The emphasis on baptism and allusions to various features of the baptismal liturgy suggest that the author has incorporated into his exposition numerous homiletic, credal, hymnic, and sacramental elements of the baptismal rite that had become traditional at an early date.

From Irenaeus in the late second century until modern times, Christian tradition regarded Peter the apostle as author of this document. Since he was martyred at Rome during the persecution of Nero between A.D. 64 and 67, it was supposed that the letter was written from Rome shortly before his death. This is supported by its reference to “Babylon” (1 Pt 5:13), a code name for Rome in the early church.

Some modern scholars, however, on the basis of a number of features that they consider incompatible with Petrine authenticity, regard the letter as the work of a later Christian writer. Such features include the cultivated Greek in which it is written, difficult to attribute to a Galilean fisherman, together with its use of the Greek Septuagint translation when citing the Old Testament; the similarity in both thought and expression to the Pauline literature; and the allusions to widespread persecution of Christians, which did not occur until at least the reign of Domitian (A.D. 81–96). In this view the letter would date from the end of the first century or even the beginning of the second, when there is evidence for persecution of Christians in Asia Minor (the letter of Pliny the Younger to Trajan, A.D. 111–12).

Other scholars believe, however, that these objections can be met by appeal to use of a secretary, Silvanus, mentioned in 1 Pt 5:12. Such secretaries often gave literary expression to the author’s thoughts in their own style and language. The persecutions may refer to local harassment rather than to systematic repression by the state. Hence there is nothing in the document incompatible with Petrine authorship in the 60s.

Still other scholars take a middle position. The many literary contacts with the Pauline literature, James, and 1 John suggest a common fund of traditional formulations rather than direct dependence upon Paul. Such liturgical and catechetical traditions must have been very ancient and in some cases of Palestinian origin.

Yet it is unlikely that Peter addressed a letter to the Gentile churches of Asia Minor while Paul was still alive. This suggests a period after the death of the two apostles, perhaps A.D. 70–90. The author would be a disciple of Peter in Rome, representing a Petrine group that served as a bridge between the Palestinian origins of Christianity and its flowering in the Gentile world. The problem addressed would not be official persecution but the difficulty of living the Christian life in a hostile, secular environment that espoused different values and subjected the Christian minority to ridicule and oppression.

###  **The Divisions of The First Letter of Peter**

The principal divisions of the First Letter of Peter are the following:

**I. Address (1:1–2)**

**II. The Gift and Call of God in Baptism (1:3–2:10)**

**III. The Christian in a Hostile World (2:11–4:11)**

**IV. Advice to the Persecuted (4:12–5:11)**

**V. Conclusion (5:12–14)**

## CHAPTER 1

### Greeting.

**1** Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the chosen sojourners of the dispersion

in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,

**2** in the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification by the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling with the blood of Jesus Christ: may grace and peace be yours in abundance.

### Blessing.

**3**

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who in his great mercy gave us a new birth to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

**4** to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you

**5** who by the power of God are safeguarded through faith, to a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the final time. **6**

In this you rejoice, although now for a little while you may have to suffer through various trials,

**7** so that the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold that is perishable even though tested by fire, may prove to be for praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

**8** Although you have not seen him you love him; even though you do not see him now yet believe in him, you rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy,

**9** as you attain the goal of [your] faith, the salvation of your souls.

**10**

Concerning this salvation, prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and investigated it, **11** investigating the time and circumstances that the Spirit of Christ within them indicated when it testified in advance to the sufferings destined for Christ and the glories to follow them.

**12** It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you with regard to the things that have now been announced to you by those who preached the good news to you [through] the holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels longed to look.

### Obedience.

**13**

Therefore, gird up the loins of your mind,

live soberly, and set your hopes completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. **14** Like obedient children, do not act in compliance with the desires of your former ignorance

**15** but, as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in every aspect of your conduct,

**16** for it is written, “Be holy because I [am] holy.”

### Reverence.

**17** Now if you invoke as Father him who judges impartially according to each one’s works, conduct yourselves with reverence during the time of your sojourning,

**18** realizing that you were ransomed from your futile conduct, handed on by your ancestors, not with perishable things like silver or gold

**19** but with the precious blood of Christ

as of a spotless unblemished lamb.

**20** He was known before the foundation of the world but revealed in the final time for you, **21** who through him believe in God who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.

### Mutual Love.

**22** Since you have purified yourselves by obedience to the truth for sincere mutual love, love one another intensely from a [pure] heart.

**23** You have been born anew,

not from perishable but from imperishable seed, through the living and abiding word of God,

**24** for:

“All flesh is like grass,

and all its glory like the flower of the field;

the grass withers,

and the flower wilts;

**25** but the word of the Lord remains forever.”

This is the word that has been proclaimed to you.

## CHAPTER 2

### God’s House and People.

**1**

Rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, insincerity, envy, and all slander;

**2** like newborn infants, long for pure spiritual milk so that through it you may grow into salvation, **3**

for you have tasted that the Lord is good.

**4** Come to him, a living stone,

rejected by human beings but chosen and precious in the sight of God,

**5** and, like living stones, let yourselves be built

into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

**6** For it says in scripture:

“Behold, I am laying a stone in Zion,

a cornerstone, chosen and precious,

and whoever believes in it shall not be put to shame.”

**7** Therefore, its value is for you who have faith, but for those without faith:

“The stone which the builders rejected

has become the cornerstone,”

**8** and

“A stone that will make people stumble,

and a rock that will make them fall.”

They stumble by disobeying the word, as is their destiny.

**9**

But you are “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of his own, so that you may announce the praises” of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

**10** Once you were “no people”

but now you are God’s people;

you “had not received mercy”

but now you have received mercy.

### Christian Examples.

**11**

Beloved, I urge you as aliens and sojourners

to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against the soul.

**12** Maintain good conduct among the Gentiles, so that if they speak of you as evildoers, they may observe your good works and glorify God on the day of visitation.

### Christian Citizens.

**13** Be subject to every human institution for the Lord’s sake, whether it be to the king as supreme

**14** or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the approval of those who do good. **15** For it is the will of God that by doing good you may silence the ignorance of foolish people. **16** Be free, yet without using freedom as a pretext for evil, but as slaves of God.

**17** Give honor to all, love the community, fear God, honor the king.

### Christian Slaves.

**18**

Slaves, be subject to your masters with all reverence, not only to those who are good and equitable but also to those who are perverse.

**19** For whenever anyone bears the pain of unjust suffering because of consciousness of God, that is a grace. **20** But what credit is there if you are patient when beaten for doing wrong? But if you are patient when you suffer for doing what is good, this is a grace before God. **21** For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered

for you, leaving you an example that you should follow in his footsteps.

**22** “He committed no sin,

and no deceit was found in his mouth.”

**23** When he was insulted, he returned no insult; when he suffered, he did not threaten; instead, he handed himself over to the one who judges justly.

**24** He himself bore our sins in his body upon the cross, so that, free from sin, we might live for righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.

**25** For you had gone astray like sheep,

but you have now returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.

## CHAPTER 3

### Christian Spouses.

**1**

Likewise, you wives should be subordinate to your husbands so that, even if some disobey the word, they may be won over without a word by their wives’ conduct **2** when they observe your reverent and chaste behavior.

**3** Your adornment should not be an external one: braiding the hair, wearing gold jewelry, or dressing in fine clothes,

**4** but rather the hidden character of the heart, expressed in the imperishable beauty of a gentle and calm disposition, which is precious in the sight of God. **5** For this is also how the holy women who hoped in God once used to adorn themselves and were subordinate to their husbands; **6** thus Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him “lord.” You are her children when you do what is good and fear no intimidation.

**7**

Likewise, you husbands should live with your wives in understanding, showing honor to the weaker female sex, since we are joint heirs of the gift of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.

### Christian Conduct.

**8** Finally, all of you, be of one mind, sympathetic, loving toward one another, compassionate, humble. **9** Do not return evil for evil, or insult for insult; but, on the contrary, a blessing, because to this you were called, that you might inherit a blessing.

**10** For:

“Whoever would love life

and see good days

must keep the tongue from evil

and the lips from speaking deceit,

**11** must turn from evil and do good,

seek peace and follow after it.

**12** For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous

and his ears turned to their prayer,

but the face of the Lord is against evildoers.”

### Christian Suffering.

**13** Now who is going to harm you if you are enthusiastic for what is good? **14** But even if you should suffer because of righteousness, blessed are you. Do not be afraid or terrified with fear of them, **15** but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts. Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope,

**16** but do it with gentleness and reverence, keeping your conscience clear, so that, when you are maligned, those who defame your good conduct in Christ may themselves be put to shame. **17** For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that be the will of God, than for doing evil.

**18** For Christ also suffered

for sins once, the righteous for the sake of the unrighteous, that he might lead you to God. Put to death in the flesh, he was brought to life in the spirit.

**19** In it he also went to preach to the spirits in prison,

**20** who had once been disobedient while God patiently waited in the days of Noah during the building of the ark, in which a few persons, eight in all, were saved through water.

**21** This prefigured baptism, which saves you now. It is not a removal of dirt from the body but an appeal to God

for a clear conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, **22** who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers subject to him.

## CHAPTER 4

### Christian Restraint.

**1** Therefore, since Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same attitude (for whoever suffers in the flesh has broken with sin), **2** so as not to spend what remains of one’s life in the flesh on human desires, but on the will of God. **3** For the time that has passed is sufficient for doing what the Gentiles like to do: living in debauchery, evil desires, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and wanton idolatry.

**4** They are surprised that you do not plunge into the same swamp of profligacy, and they vilify you; **5** but they will give an account to him who stands ready to judge the living and the dead.

**6** For this is why the gospel was preached even to the dead

that, though condemned in the flesh in human estimation, they might live in the spirit in the estimation of God.

### Christian Charity.

**7** The end of all things is at hand. Therefore, be serious and sober for prayers. **8**

Above all, let your love for one another be intense, because love covers a multitude of sins.

**9** Be hospitable to one another without complaining.

**10** As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace.

**11** Whoever preaches, let it be with the words of God; whoever serves, let it be with the strength that God supplies, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ,

to whom belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

### Trial of Persecution.

**12** Beloved, do not be surprised that a trial by fire is occurring among you, as if something strange were happening to you.

**13** But rejoice to the extent that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that when his glory is revealed you may also rejoice exultantly.

**14** If you are insulted for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.

**15** But let no one among you be made to suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as an intriguer. **16** But whoever is made to suffer as a Christian should not be ashamed but glorify God because of the name. **17** For it is time for the judgment to begin with the household of God; if it begins with us, how will it end for those who fail to obey the gospel of God?

**18** “And if the righteous one is barely saved,

where will the godless and the sinner appear?”

**19** As a result, those who suffer in accord with God’s will hand their souls over to a faithful creator as they do good.

## CHAPTER 5

### Advice to Presbyters.

**1** So I exhort the presbyters

among you, as a fellow presbyter and witness to the sufferings of Christ and one who has a share in the glory to be revealed. **2** Tend the flock of God in your midst, [overseeing] not by constraint but willingly, as God would have it, not for shameful profit but eagerly.

**3** Do not lord it over those assigned to you, but be examples to the flock. **4**

And when the chief Shepherd is revealed, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.

### Advice to the Community.

**5** Likewise, you younger members,

be subject to the presbyters. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility in your dealings with one another, for:

“God opposes the proud

but bestows favor on the humble.”

**6** So humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.

**7** Cast all your worries upon him because he cares for you.

**8** Be sober and vigilant. Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for [someone] to devour.

**9** Resist him, steadfast in faith, knowing that your fellow believers throughout the world undergo the same sufferings. **10** The God of all grace who called you to his eternal glory through Christ [Jesus] will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you after you have suffered a little.

**11** To him be dominion forever. Amen.

###  **V. CONCLUSION**

**12** I write you this briefly through Silvanus,

whom I consider a faithful brother, exhorting you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Remain firm in it. **13** The chosen one

at Babylon sends you greeting, as does Mark, my son. **14** Greet one another with a loving kiss. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.

## FOOTNOTES

**1 Peter 1:1-1 Peter 1:2:**

The introductory formula names

**Peter**

as the writer

**(but** **see** **The First Letter of Peter: Introduction).**

In his comments to the presbyters

**(1 Peter 5:1),**

the author calls himself

a

“fellow presbyter.”

He addresses himself

to the Gentile converts of Asia Minor.

Their privileged status

as a

**chosen**

and sanctified people

makes them

worthy of God’s

**grace**

and

**peace.**

In contrast is their actual existence

as aliens and

**sojourners,**

scattered among pagans,

far from their true country.
**1 Peter 1:1:**
**Dispersion:**

literally,

diaspora;

**see** **James 1:1**

and

Introduction to that letter.

**Pontus…Bithynia:**

five provinces in Asia Minor,

listed in clockwise order

from the north,

perhaps in the sequence

in which a messenger

might deliver the letter.
**1 Peter 1:3-2 Peter 1:5:**

A prayer

of praise and thanksgiving

to God

who bestows the gift of new life

and hope in baptism

**(new** **birth,** **1 Peter 1:3)**

through

the resurrection

of Jesus Christ

from the dead.

The new birth

is a sign of

an imperishable inheritance

**(1 Peter 1:4),**

of salvation

that is still in the future

**(to** **be** **revealed** **in** **the** **final** **time,**
**1 Peter 1:5).**
**1 Peter 1:6-1 Peter 1:9:**

As the glory of Christ’s resurrection

was preceded by his sufferings and death,

the new life of faith

that it bestows

is to be subjected to many

**trials**
**(1 Peter 1:6)**

while achieving its goal:

the glory of

the fullness of

**salvation**
**(1 Peter 1:9)**

at the coming of Christ

**(1 Peter 1:7).**
**1 Peter 1:10-1 Peter 1:12:**

The

**Spirit of Christ**
**(1 Peter 1:11)**

is here shown to have been present

in the prophets,

moving them to search,

investigate,

and

prophesy

about the

**grace**

of

**salvation**

that was to come

**(1 Peter 1:10),**

and in the apostles

impelling them to preach

the fulfillment of salvation

in the message of

Christ’s sufferings

and glory

**(1 Peter 1:12).**
**1 Peter 1:13-1 Peter 1:25:**

These verses

are concerned

with the call of God’s people

to holiness

and to mutual love

by reason of their redemption

through the blood of Christ

**(1 Peter 1:18–1 Peter 1:21).**
**1 Peter 1:3:**
**Gird up the loins of your mind:**

a figure

reminiscent of

the rite of Passover

when the Israelites

were in flight from their oppressors

**(Exodus 12:11),**

and also suggesting

the vigilance

of the Christian people

in expectation

of the parousia

of Christ

**(Luke 12:35).**
**1 Peter 1:14:**

The ignorance

here referred to

**(1 Peter 1:14)**

was their former

lack of knowledge

of God,

leading inevitably

to godless conduct.

Holiness

**(1 Peter 1:15–1 Peter 1:16),**

on the contrary,

is the result

of their call

to the knowledge

and love of God.
**1 Peter 1:19:**

Christians

have received the redemption

prophesied by Isaiah

**(Isaiah 52:3),**

through the blood

(Jewish symbol of life)

of the spotless lamb

**(Isaiah 53:7,** **Isaiah 53:10;** **John 1:29;** **And** **Romans 3:24–Romans 3:25;**
**cf.** **1 Corinthians 6:20).**
**1 Peter 1:22-1 Peter 1:25:**

The new birth of Christians

**(1 Peter 1:23)**

derives from Christ,

the imperishable seed

or sowing

that produces

a new and lasting existence

in those who accept the gospel

**(1 Peter 1:24–1 Peter 1:25),**

with the consequent duty

of loving one another

**(1 Peter 1:22).**
**1 Peter 1:23:**
**The living and abiding word of God:**

or,

“the word of the living and abiding God.”
**1 Peter 2:1-1 Peter 2:3:**

Growth toward salvation

is seen here as two steps:

first,

stripping away

all that is contrary

to the new life in Christ;

second,

the nourishment

**(pure spiritual milk)**

that the newly baptized

have received.
**1 Peter 2:1:**
**James 1:21.**
**James 1:21.** **NABRE:**
**21** Therefore, put away all filth and evil excess and humbly welcome the word that has been planted in you and is able to save your souls.
**1 Peter 2:3:**
**Tasted that the Lord is good:**
**cf.** **Psalms 34:9.**
**1 Peter 2:4-1 Peter 2:8:**

Christ is the cornerstone

**(cf.** **Isaiah 28:16)**

that is

the foundation

of the spiritual edifice

of the Christian community

**(1 Peter 2:5).**

To unbelievers,

Christ is an obstacle

and a stumbling block

on which they are destined to fall

**(1 Peter 2:8);**
**cf.** **Romans 11:11.**
**1 Peter 2:5:**
**Let yourselves be built:**

the form of the Greek word

could also be

indicative passive,

“you are being built”

**(cf.** **1 Peter 2:9).**
**1 Peter 2:9-1 Peter 2:10:**

The prerogatives of ancient Israel

mentioned here

are now more fully

and fittingly applied

to the Christian people:

“a chosen race”

**(cf.** **Isaiah 43:20–Isaiah 43:21)**

indicates their divine election

**(Ephesians 1:4–Ephesians 1:6);**

“a royal priesthood”

**(cf.** **Exodus 19:6)**

to serve and worship God in Christ,

thus continuing the priestly functions

of his life,

passion,

and

resurrection;

“a holy nation”

**(Exodus 19:6)**

reserved for God,

a people he claims for his own

**(cf.** **Malachi 3:17)**

in virtue of their baptism

into his death and resurrection.

This transcends

all natural

and

national divisions

and unites the people

into one community

to glorify the one who led them

from the darkness of paganism

to the light of faith in Christ.

From being

“no people”

deprived of all mercy,

they have become the very people of God,

the chosen recipients

of his mercy

**(cf.** **Hosea 1:9;** **And** **Hosea 2:25).**
**1 Peter 2:11-1 Peter 3:12:**

After explaining

the doctrinal basis

for the Christian community,

the author makes practical applications

in terms of the virtues

that should prevail

in all the social relationships

of the members of the community:

good example to Gentile neighbors

**(1 Peter 2:11–1 Peter 2:12);**

respect for human authority

**(1 Peter 2:13–1 Peter 2:17);**

obedience,

patience,

and

endurance

of hardship

in domestic relations

**(1 Peter 2:18–1 Peter 2:25);**

Christian behavior

of husbands and wives

**(1 Peter 3:1–1 Peter 3:7);**

mutual charity

**(1 Peter 3:8–1 Peter 3:12).**
**1 Peter 2:11:**
**Aliens and sojourners:**

no longer signifying absence

from one’s native land

**(Genesis 23:4),**

this image

denotes rather

their estrangement

from the world

during their earthly pilgrimage

**(see** **also** **1 Peter 1:1,** **And** **1 Peter 1:17).**
**1 Peter 2:13-1 Peter 2:17:**

True Christian freedom

is the result of

being servants of God

**(2 Peter 2:16;**
**see** **note** **on** **1 Peter 2:18–1 Peter 2:23).**

It includes reverence for God,

esteem for every individual,

and committed love

for fellow Christians

**(1 Peter 2:17).**

Although persecution may threaten,

subjection to human government is urged

**(1 Peter 2:13,** **And** **1 Peter 2:17)**

and concern for the

impact of Christians’ conduct

on those who are not Christians

**(1 Peter 2:12,** **And** **1 Peter 2:15).**
**1 Peter 2:18-1 Peter 2:21:**

Most of the labor

in the commercial cities

of first-century Asia Minor

was performed

by a working class of slaves.

The sense of freedom

contained in the gospel

undoubtedly caused great tension

among Christian slaves:

witness the special advice

given concerning them here

and in

**1 Corinthians 7:21–1 Corinthians 7:24;** **Ephesians 6:5–Ephesians 6:8;** **Colossians 3:22–Colossians 3:25;** **And** **The** **Letter** **to** **Philemon.**

The point made here does not have so much to do with the institution of slavery, which the author does not challenge, but with the nonviolent reaction (1 Pt 2:20) of slaves to unjust treatment. Their patient suffering is compared to that of Jesus (1 Pt 2:21), which won righteousness for all humanity.
**1 Peter 2:21:**
**Suffered:**

some ancient manuscripts

and versions

read

“died”

**(cf.** **1 Peter 3:18).**
**1 Peter 2:22-1 Peter 1:25:**

After the quotation

of

**Isaiah 53:9b,**

the passage describes

Jesus’ passion

with phrases

concerning the Suffering Servant

from

**Isaiah 53:4–Isaiah 53:12,**

perhaps as employed

in an early Christian

confession of faith;

**cf.** **1 Peter 1:18–1 Peter 1:21** **And** **1 Peter 3:18–1 Peter 3:22.**
**1 Peter 2:25:**
**The shepherd and guardian of your souls:**

the familiar shepherd

and flock figures

express

the care,

vigilance,

and love of God

for his people

in the Old Testament

**(Psalms 23;** **Isaiah 40:11;** **Jeremiah 23:4–Jeremiah 23:5;** **And** **Ezekiel 34:11–Ezekiel 34:16)**

and of Jesus

for all humanity

in

the New Testament

**(Matthew 18:10–Matthew 18:14;** **Luke 15:4–Luke 15:7;** **John 10:1–John 10:16;** **And** **Hebrews 13:20).**
**1 Peter 3:1-1 Peter 3:6:**

The typical marital virtues

of women of the ancient world,

obedience,

reverence,

and

chastity

**(1 Peter 3:1–1 Peter 3:2),**

are outlined here by the author,

who gives them an entirely new motivation:

Christian wives are to be virtuous

so that they may be instrumental

in the conversion of their husbands.

In imitation of

**holy women**

in the past

**(1 Peter 3:5)**

they are to

cultivate the interior life

**(1 Peter 3:4)**

instead of excessive concern

with their appearance

**(1 Peter 3:3).**
**1 Peter 3:7:**

Husbands

who do not respect their wives

will have as little success

in prayer as those who,

according to Paul,

have no love:

their prayers will be

“a resounding gong or a clashing cymbal”

**(1 Corinthians 13:1).**

Consideration for others

is shown as a prerequisite

for effective prayer

also

in

**Matthew 5:23–Matthew 5:24;** **1 Corinthians 11:20–1 Cotinthians 11:22;** **And** **James 4:3.**

After all,

whatever the social position

of women in the world

and in the family,

they are equal recipients

of the gift of God’s salvation.

Paul is very clear on this point,

too

**(see** **1 Corinthians 11:11–1 Corinthians 11:12;** **And** **Galatians 3:28).**
**1 Peter 3:8-1 Peter 3:12:**

For the proper ordering

of Christian life

in its various aspects

as described

in

**1 Peter 2:11–1 Peter 3:9,**

there is promised the blessing expressed

in

**Psalms 34:13–Psalms 34:17.**

In the Old Testament

this refers to longevity

and

prosperity;

here,

it also refers to eternal life.
**1 Peter 3:13-1 Peter 3:22:**

This exposition,

centering

on

**1 Peter 3:17,**

runs as follows:

by his suffering and death

Christ the righteous one

saved the unrighteous

**(1 Peter 3:18);**

by his resurrection

he received new life in the spirit,

which he communicates to believers

through the baptismal bath

that cleanses their consciences from sin.

As Noah’s family was saved

**through water,**

so Christians are saved through the waters of baptism

**(1 Peter 3:19–1 Peter 3:22).**

Hence they need not share

the fear of sinners;

they should rather rejoice in suffering

because of their hope in Christ.

Thus their innocence

disappoints their accusers

**(1 Peter 3:13–1 Peter 3:16;**
**cf.** **Matthew 10:28; And Romans 8:35–Romans 8:39).**
**1 Peter 3:18:**
**Suffered:**

very many ancient manuscripts

and versions read

“died.”

**Put to death in the flesh:**

affirms that Jesus

truly died as a human being.

**Brought to life in the spirit:**

that is,

in the new and transformed existence

freed from the

limitations

and

weaknesses

of natural human life

**(cf.** **1 Corinthians 15:45).**
**1 Peter 3:19:**
**The spirits in prison:**

it is not clear just who these spirits are.

They may be

the spirits of the sinners

who died in the flood,

or angelic powers,

hostile to God,

who have been overcome by Christ

**(cf.** **1 Peter 3:22;** **Genesis 6:4;** **1 Enoch 6–1 Enoch 36,** **especially** **1 Enoch 21:6;** **And** **2 Enoch 7:1–2 Enoch 7:5).**
**1 Peter 3:21:**
**Appeal to God:**

this could also be translated

“pledge,”

that is,

a promise on the part of Christians

to live with a good conscience

before God,

or a pledge

from God

of forgiveness

and therefore a good conscience

for us.
**1 Peter 4:1-1 Peter 4:6:**

Willingness

to suffer with Christ

equips the Christian

with the power to conquer sin

**(1 Peter 4:1).**

Christ is here portrayed

as the judge

to whom those guilty of pagan vices

must render an account

**(1 Peter 4:5;**
**cf.** **John 5:22–John 5:27;** **Acts 10:42;** **And** **2 Timothy 4:1).**
**1 Peter 4:6:**
**The dead:**

these may be

the sinners

of the flood generation

who are possibly referred to

in

**1 Peter 3:19.**

But many scholars

think that there is no connection

between these two verses,

and that the dead here

are Christians

who have died since

hearing the preaching

of the gospel.
**1 Peter 4:7-1 Peter 4:11:**

The inner life

of the eschatological community

is outlined as

**the end**

(the parousia of Christ)

and the judgment

draws near

in terms of seriousness,

sobriety,

prayer,

and

love expressed

through hospitality

and the use of one’s gifts

for the glory of God

and of Christ.
**1 Peter 4:8:**
**Love covers a multitude of sins:**

a maxim based on

**Proverbs 10:12;**
**see** **also** **Psalms 32:1;** **And** **James 5:20.**
**1 Peter 4:11:**

Some scholars

feel that this doxology

concludes the part

of the homily addressed

specifically

to the newly baptized,

begun

in

**1 Peter 1:3;**

others that it concludes a baptismal liturgy.

Such doxologies do occur

within a New Testament letter,

**e.g.,**
**Romans 9:5.**

Some propose that

**1 Peter 4:11**

was an alternate ending,

with

**1 Peter 4:12–1 Peter 5:14**

being read in places

where persecution was more pressing.

But such doxologies

usually do not occur at the end of letters

**(the** **only** **examples** **are**
**2 Peter 3:18,** **Jude 1:25,** **And** **Romans 16:27,**
**the** **last** **probably** **a** **liturgical** **insertion).**
**1 Peter 4:12-1 Peter 4:19:**

The suffering

to which the author

has already frequently referred

is presented in more severe terms.

This has led some scholars

to see these verses

as referring to an actual persecution.

Others see

the heightening of the language

as only a rhetorical device

used at the end of the letter

to emphasize the suffering motif.
**1 Peter 5:1-1 Peter 5:4:**

In imitation of Christ,

the chief shepherd,

those entrusted

with a pastoral office

are to tend the flock

by their care and example.
**1 Peter 5:1:**

Presbyters:

the officially appointed

leaders

and

teachers

of the Christian community

**(cf.** **1 Timothy 5:17–1 Timothy 5:18;** **Titus 1:5–Titus 1:8;** **And** **James 5:14).**
**1 Peter 5:4:**
**See** **note** **on**
**1 Peter 2:25.**
**1 Peter 5:5-1 Peter 5:11:**

The community

is to be subject

to the presbyters

and to show humility toward one another

and trust in God’s love and care

**(1 Peter 5:5–1 Peter 5:7).**

With sobriety,

alertness,

and steadfast faith

they must resist the evil one;

their sufferings are shared

with Christians everywhere

**(1 Peter 5:8–1 Peter 5:9).**

They will be strengthened

and called to eternal glory

**(1 Peter 5:10–1 Peter 5:11).**
**1 Peter 5:5:**
**Younger members:**

this may be a designation

for office-holders

of lesser rank.
**1 Peter 5:12:**

Silvanus:

the companion of Paul

**(see** **2 Corinthians 1:19;** **1 Thessalonians 1:1;** **2 Thessalonians 1:1).**

Jews

and

Jewish Christians,

like Paul,

often had a Hebrew name

(Saoul, Silas)

and a Greek or Latin name

(Paul, Silvanus).

On Silvanus’s

possible role as amanuensis,

**see** **The First Letter of Peter: Introduction.**
**1 Peter 5:13:**
**The chosen one:**

feminine,

referring to the Christian community

(ekklēsia)

at

**Babylon,**

the code name for Rome

in

**Revelation 14:8;** **Revelation 17:5;** **And** **Revelation 18:2.**
**Mark, my son:**

traditionally

a prominent disciple of Peter

and co-worker at the church in Rome,

perhaps the John Mark

referred to

in

**Acts 12:12,** **Acts 12:25;** **Acts 13:5,** **Acts 13:13;** **And** **in** **Acts 15:37–Acts 15:39,**

a companion of Barnabas.

Perhaps this is the same Mark

mentioned as Barnabas’s cousin

in

**Colossians 4:10,**

a co-worker with Paul

in

**Philemon 1:24**
**(see** **also** **2 Timothy 4:11).**

## CROSS-REFERENCES

**1 Peter 1:1:**
**James 1:1.**
**James 1:1.** **NABRE:**
**I. Address**
**Chapter 1**
**1** James, a slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes in the dispersion, greetings.
**1 Peter 1:2:**
**Romans 8:29.** **NABRE:**
**29** For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
**1 Peter 1:3:**
**Titus 3:5.**
**Titus 3:5.** **NABRE:**
**5** not because of any righteous deeds we had done

but because of his mercy,

he saved us through the bath of rebirth

and renewal by the holy Spirit,
**1 Peter 1:4:**
**Matthew 6:19-Matthew 6:20.**
**Matthew 6:19-Matthew 6:20.** **NABRE:**
**Treasure in Heaven.**
**19** “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and decay destroy, and thieves break in and steal. **20** But store up treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal.
**1 Peter 1:6:**
**James 1:2-James 1:3.**
**James 1:2-James 1:3.** **NABRE:**
**II. The Value of Trials and Temptation**
**Perseverance in Trial.**
**2** Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials, **3** for you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
**1 Peter 1:7:**
**1 Corinthians 3:13.**
**1 Corinthians 3:13.** **NABRE:**
**13** the work of each will come to light, for the Day will disclose it. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire [itself] will test the quality of each one’s work.
**1 Peter 1:8:**
**2 Corinthians 5:6-2 Corinthians 5:7.**
**2 Corinthians 5:6-2 Corinthians 5:7.** **NABRE:**
**6** So we are always courageous, although we know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, **7** for we walk by faith, not by sight.
**1 Peter 1:11:**
**Isaiah 52:13-Isaiah 53:12,** **And** **Daniel 9:24.**
**Isaiah 52:13-Isaiah 53:12.** **NABRE:**
**Suffering and Triumph of the Servant of the Lord**
**13** See, my servant shall prosper,

he shall be raised high and greatly exalted.

**14** Even as many were amazed at him—

so marred were his features,

beyond that of mortals

his appearance, beyond that of human beings—

**15** So shall he startle many nations,

kings shall stand speechless;

For those who have not been told shall see,

those who have not heard shall ponder it.

**Chapter 53**
**1** Who would believe what we have heard?

To whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?

**2** He grew up like a sapling before him,

like a shoot from the parched earth;

He had no majestic bearing to catch our eye,

no beauty to draw us to him.

**3** He was spurned and avoided by men,

a man of suffering, knowing pain,

Like one from whom you turn your face,

spurned, and we held him in no esteem.

**4** Yet it was our pain that he bore,

our sufferings he endured.

We thought of him as stricken,

struck down by God and afflicted,

**5** But he was pierced for our sins,

crushed for our iniquity.

He bore the punishment that makes us whole,

by his wounds we were healed.

**6** We had all gone astray like sheep,

all following our own way;

But the Lord laid upon him

the guilt of us all.

**7** Though harshly treated, he submitted

and did not open his mouth;

Like a lamb led to slaughter

or a sheep silent before shearers,

he did not open his mouth.

**8** Seized and condemned, he was taken away.

Who would have thought any more of his destiny?

For he was cut off from the land of the living,

struck for the sins of his people.

**9** He was given a grave among the wicked,

a burial place with evildoers,

Though he had done no wrong,

nor was deceit found in his mouth.

**10** But it was the Lord’s will to crush him with pain.

By making his life as a reparation offering,

he shall see his offspring, shall lengthen his days,

and the Lord’s will shall be accomplished through him.

**11** Because of his anguish he shall see the light;

because of his knowledge he shall be content;

My servant, the just one, shall justify the many,

their iniquity he shall bear.

**12** Therefore I will give him his portion among the many,

and he shall divide the spoils with the mighty,

Because he surrendered himself to death,

was counted among the transgressors,

Bore the sins of many,

and interceded for the transgressors.

**Daniel 9:24.** **NABRE:**
**24** “Seventy weeks are decreed

for your people and for your holy city:

Then transgression will stop and sin will end,

guilt will be expiated,

Everlasting justice will be introduced,

vision and prophecy ratified,

and a holy of holies will be anointed.
**1 Peter 1:15:**
**Matthew 5:48,** **And** **1 John 3:3.**
**Matthew 5:48.** **NABRE:**
**48** So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.

**1 John 3:3.** **NABRE:**
**3** Everyone who has this hope based on him makes himself pure, as he is pure.
**Leviticus 11:44,** **And** **Leviticus 19:2.**
**Leviticus 11:44.** **NABRE:**
**44** For I, the **LORD**, am your God. You shall make and keep yourselves holy, because I am holy. You shall not make yourselves unclean, then, by any swarming creature that crawls on the ground.

**Leviticus 19:2.** **NABRE:**
**2** Speak to the whole Israelite community and tell them: Be holy, for I, the **LORD** your God, am holy.
**1 Peter 1:17:**
**1 Peter 2:11.**
**1 Peter 2:11.** **NABRE:**
**III. The Christian in a Hostile World**
**Christian Examples.**
**11** Beloved, I urge you as aliens and sojourners to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against the soul.
**1 Peter 1:18:**
**Isaiah 52:3,** **And** **1 Corinthians 6:20.**
**Isaiah 52:3.** NABRE:

**3** For thus says the Lord:

For nothing you were sold,

without money you shall be redeemed.

**1 Corinthians 6:20.** **NABRE:**
**20** For you have been purchased at a price. Therefore glorify God in your body.
**1 Peter 1:19:**
**Exodus 12:5,** **John 1:29,** **And** **Hebrews 9:14.**
**Exodus 12:5.** **NABRE:**
**5** Your lamb must be a year-old male and without blemish. You may take it from either the sheep or the goats.

**John 1:29.** **NABRE:**
**John the Baptist’s Testimony to Jesus.**
**29** The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.

**Hebrews 9:14.** **NABRE:**
**14** how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from dead works to worship the living God.
**1 Peter 1:22:**
**Romans 12:10.**
**Romans 12:10.** **NABRE:**
**10** love one another with mutual affection; anticipate one another in showing honor.
**1 Peter 1:23:**
**1 John 3:9.**
**1 John 3:9.** **NABRE:**
**9** No one who is begotten by God commits sin, because God’s seed remains in him; he cannot sin because he is begotten by God.
**1 Peter 1:24:**
**Isaiah 40:6-Isaiah 40:8.**
**Isaiah 40:6-Isaiah 40:8.** **NABRE:**
**6** A voice says, “Proclaim!”

I answer, “What shall I proclaim?”

“All flesh is grass,

and all their loyalty like the flower of the field.

**7** The grass withers, the flower wilts,

when the breath of the Lord blows upon it.”

“Yes, the people is grass!

**8** The grass withers, the flower wilts,

but the word of our God stands forever.”
**1 Peter 2:2:**
**Psalm 34:9.**
**Psalm 34:9.** **NABRE:**
**9** Taste and see that the Lord is good;

blessed is the stalwart one who takes refuge in him.
**1 Peter 2:4:**
**Psalm 118:22,** **Matthew 21:42,** **And** **Acts 4:11.**
**Psalm 118:22.** **NABRE:**
**22** The stone the builders rejected

has become the cornerstone.

**Matthew 21:42.** **NABRE:**
**42** Jesus said to them, “Did you never read in the scriptures:

‘The stone that the builders rejected

has become the cornerstone;

by the Lord has this been done,

and it is wonderful in our eyes’?

**Acts 4:11.** **NABRE:**
**11** He is ‘the stone rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone.’
**1 Peter 2:5:**
**Ephesians 2:21-Ephesians 2:22.**
**Ephesians 2:21-Ephesians 2:22.** **NABRE:**
**21** Through him the whole structure is held together and grows into a temple sacred in the Lord; 22 in him you also are being built together into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
**1 Peter 2:6:**
**Isaiah 28:16.**
**Isaiah 28:16.** **NABRE:**
**16** Therefore, thus says the Lord God:

See, I am laying a stone in Zion,

a stone that has been tested,

A precious cornerstone as a sure foundation;

whoever puts faith in it will not waver.
**1 Peter 2:7:**
**Psalm 118:22,** **Matthew 21:42,** **Luke 20:17,** **And** **Acts 4:11.**
**Psalm 118:22.** **NABRE:**
**22** The stone the builders rejected

has become the cornerstone.

**Matthew 21:42.** **NABRE:**
**42** Jesus said to them, “Did you never read in the scriptures:

‘The stone that the builders rejected

has become the cornerstone;

by the Lord has this been done,

and it is wonderful in our eyes’?

**Luke 20:17.** **NABRE:**
**17** But he looked at them and asked, “What then does this scripture passage mean:

‘The stone which the builders rejected

has become the cornerstone’?

**Acts 4:11.** **NABRE:**
**11** He is ‘the stone rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone.’
**1 Peter 2:8:**
**Isaiah 8:14,** **And** **Romans 9:33.**
**Isaiah 8:14.** **NABRE:**
**14** He shall be a snare,

a stone for injury,

A rock for stumbling

to both the houses of Israel,

A trap and a snare

to those who dwell in Jerusalem;

**Romans 9:33.** **NABRE:**
**33** as it is written:

“Behold, I am laying a stone in Zion

that will make people stumble

and a rock that will make them fall,

and whoever believes in him shall not be put to shame.”
**1 Peter 2:9:**
**Exodus 19:6,** **Isaiah 61:6,** **Revelation 1:6,** **And** **Revelation 20:6.**
**Exodus 19:6.** **NABRE:**
**6** You will be to me a kingdom of priests, a holy nation. That is what you must tell the Israelites.

**Isaiah 61:6.** **NABRE:**
**6** You yourselves shall be called “Priests of the Lord,”

“Ministers of our God” you shall be called.

You shall eat the wealth of the nations

and in their riches you will boast.

**Revelation 1:6.** **NABRE:**
**6** who has made us into a kingdom, priests for his God and Father, to him be glory and power forever [and ever]. Amen.

**Revelation 20:6.** **NABRE:**
**6** Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over these; they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for [the] thousand years.
**1 Peter 2:10:**
**Hosea 1:9,** **Hosea 2:25,** **And** **Hosea 1:6.**
**Hosea 1:9.** **NABRE:**
**9** Then the **LORD** said: Give him the name “Not-My-People,” for you are not my people, and I am not “I am” for you.

**Hosea 2:25.** **NABRE:**
**25** I will sow her for myself in the land,

and I will have pity on Not-Pitied.

I will say to Not-My-People, “You are my people,”

and he will say, “My God!”

**Hosea 1:6.** **NABRE:**
**6** She conceived again and bore a daughter. The **LORD** said to him: Give her the name “Not-Pitied,” for I will no longer feel pity for the house of Israel: rather, I will utterly abhor them.
**1 Peter 2:11:**
**Galatians 5:24.**
**Galatians 5:24.** **NABRE:**
**24** Now those who belong to Christ [Jesus] have crucified their flesh with its passions and desires.
**1 Peter 2:13:**
**Romans 13:1-Romans 13:7.**
**Romans 13:1-Romans 13:7.** **NABRE:**
**Chapter 13**
**Obedience to Authority.**
**1** Let every person be subordinate to the higher authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been established by God. **2** Therefore, whoever resists authority opposes what God has appointed, and those who oppose it will bring judgment upon themselves. **3** For rulers are not a cause of fear to good conduct, but to evil. Do you wish to have no fear of authority? Then do what is good and you will receive approval from it, **4** for it is a servant of God for your good. But if you do evil, be afraid, for it does not bear the sword without purpose; it is the servant of God to inflict wrath on the evildoer. **5** Therefore, it is necessary to be subject not only because of the wrath but also because of conscience. **6** This is why you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, devoting themselves to this very thing. **7** Pay to all their dues, taxes to whom taxes are due, toll to whom toll is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due.
Love Fulfills the Law.
**1 Peter 2:16:**
**Galatians 5:13.**
**Galatians 5:13.** **NABRE:**
**13** For you were called for freedom, brothers. But do not use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh; rather, serve one another through love.
**1 Peter 2:17:**
**Proverbs 24:21,** **And** **Matthew 22:21.**
**Proverbs 24:21.** NABRE:

**21** My son, fear the Lord and the king;

have nothing to do with those who hate them;

**Matthew 22:21.** **NABRE:**
**21** They replied, “Caesar’s.” At that he said to them, “Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.”
**1 Peter 2:18:**
**Ephesians 6:5.**
**Ephesians 6:5.** **NABRE:**
**Slaves and Masters.**
**5** Slaves, be obedient to your human masters with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ,
**1 Peter 2:21:**
**Matthew 16:24.**
**Matthew 16:24. NABRE:**
**24** Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.
**1 Peter 2:22:**
**Isaiah 53:9.**
**Isaiah 53:9.** **NABRE:**
**9** He was given a grave among the wicked,

a burial place with evildoers,

Though he had done no wrong,

nor was deceit found in his mouth.
**1 Peter 2:24:**
**Matthew 5:39.**
**Matthew 5:39.** **NABRE:**
**39** But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil. When someone strikes you on [your] right cheek, turn the other one to him as well.
**1 Peter 2:24:**
**Isaiah 53:4,** **Isaiah 53:12,** **And** **Isaiah 53:5.**
**Isaiah 53:4.** **NABRE:**
**4** Yet it was our pain that he bore,

our sufferings he endured.

We thought of him as stricken,

struck down by God and afflicted,

**Isaiah 53:12.** **NABRE:**
**12** Therefore I will give him his portion among the many,

and he shall divide the spoils with the mighty,

Because he surrendered himself to death,

was counted among the transgressors,

Bore the sins of many,

and interceded for the transgressors.

**Isaiah 53:5.** **NABRE:**
**5** But he was pierced for our sins,

crushed for our iniquity.

He bore the punishment that makes us whole,

by his wounds we were healed.
**1 Peter 2:25:**
**Isaiah 53:6.**
**Isaiah 53:6.** **NABRE:**
**6** We had all gone astray like sheep,

all following our own way;

But the Lord laid upon him

the guilt of us all.
**1 Peter 3:2:**
**1 Corinthians 7:12-1 Corinthians 7:16,** **Ephesians 5:22-Ephesians 5:24,** **Colossians 3:18,** **And** **1 Timothy 2:9-1 Timothy 2:15.**
**1 Corinthians 7:12-1 Corinthians 7:16.** **NABRE:**
**12** To the rest I say (not the Lord): if any brother has a wife who is an unbeliever, and she is willing to go on living with him, he should not divorce her; **13** and if any woman has a husband who is an unbeliever, and he is willing to go on living with her, she should not divorce her husband. **14** For the unbelieving husband is made holy through his wife, and the unbelieving wife is made holy through the brother. Otherwise your children would be unclean, whereas in fact they are holy.

**15** If the unbeliever separates, however, let him separate. The brother or sister is not bound in such cases; God has called you to peace. **16** For how do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband; or how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife?

**The Life That the Lord Has Assigned.**
**Ephesians 5:22-Ephesians 5:24.** **NABRE:**
**22** Wives should be subordinate to their husbands as to the Lord. **23** For the husband is head of his wife just as Christ is head of the church, he himself the savior of the body. **24** As the church is subordinate to Christ, so wives should be subordinate to their husbands in everything.

**Colossians 3:18.** **NABRE:**
**The Christian Family.**
**18** Wives, be subordinate to your husbands, as is proper in the Lord.

**1 Timothy 2:9-1 Timothy 2:15.** **NABRE:**
**9** Similarly, [too,] women should adorn themselves with proper conduct, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hairstyles and gold ornaments, or pearls, or expensive clothes, **10** but rather, as befits women who profess reverence for God, with good deeds. **11** A woman must receive instruction silently and under complete control. **12** I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man. She must be quiet. **13** For Adam was formed first, then Eve. **14** Further, Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and transgressed. **15** But she will be saved through motherhood, provided women persevere in faith and love and holiness, with self-control.
**1 Peter 3:3:**
**1 Timothy 2:9-1 Timothy 2:10.**
**1 Timothy 2:9-1 Timothy 2:10.** **NABRE:**
**9** Similarly, [too,] women should adorn themselves with proper conduct, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hairstyles and gold ornaments, or pearls, or expensive clothes, **10** but rather, as befits women who profess reverence for God, with good deeds.
**1 Peter 3:7:**
**Ephesians 5:25-Ephesians 5:33,** **And** **Colossians 3:19.**
**Ephesians 5:25-Ephesians 5:33.** **NABRE:**
**25** Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ loved the church and handed himself over for her **26** to sanctify her, cleansing her by the bath of water with the word, **27** that he might present to himself the church in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. **28** So [also] husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. **29** For no one hates his own flesh but rather nourishes and cherishes it, even as Christ does the church, **30** because we are members of his body.

**31** “For this reason a man shall leave [his] father and [his] mother

and be joined to his wife,

and the two shall become one flesh.”

**32** This is a great mystery, but I speak in reference to Christ and the church. **33** In any case, each one of you should love his wife as himself, and the wife should respect her husband.

**Colossians 3:19.** **NABRE:**
**19** Husbands, love your wives, and avoid any bitterness toward them.
**1 Peter 3:9:**
**Matthew 5:44,** **Luke 6:28,** **And Romans 12:14.**
**Matthew 5:44.** **NABRE:**
**44** But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you,

**Luke 6:28.** **NABRE:**

bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.

**Romans 12:14.** **NABRE:**
**28** bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.
**1 Peter 3:10:**
**Psalms 34:13-Psalms 34:17.**
**Psalms 34:13-Psalms 34:17.** **NABRE:**
**13** Who is the man who delights in life,

who loves to see the good days?

**14** Keep your tongue from evil,

your lips from speaking lies.

**15** Turn from evil and do good;

seek peace and pursue it.

**16** The eyes of the Lord are directed toward the righteous

and his ears toward their cry.

**17** The Lord’s face is against evildoers

to wipe out their memory from the earth.
**1 Peter 3:15:**
**Isaiah 8:12.**
**Isaiah 8:12.** **NABRE:**
**12** Do not call conspiracy what this people calls conspiracy,

nor fear what they fear, nor feel dread.
**1 Peter 3:18:**
**1 Corinthians 15:45.**
**45** So, too, it is written, “The first man, Adam, became a living being,” the last Adam a life-giving spirit.
**1 Peter 3:20:**
**Genesis 7:7,** **Genesis 7:17,** **And** **2 Peter 2:5.**
**Genesis 7:7.** **NABRE:**
**7** Together with his sons, his wife, and his sons’ wives, Noah went into the ark because of the waters of the flood.

**Genesis 7:17.** **NABRE:**
**17** The flood continued upon the earth for forty days. As the waters increased, they lifted the ark, so that it rose above the earth.

**2 Peter 2:5.** **NABRE:**
**5** and if he did not spare the ancient world, even though he preserved Noah, a herald of righteousness, together with seven others, when he brought a flood upon the godless world;
**1 Peter 3:22:**
**Ephesians 1:20-Ephesians 1:21.**
**Ephesians 1:20-Ephesians 1:21.** **NABRE:**
**20** which he worked in Christ, raising him from the dead and seating him at his right hand in the heavens, **21** far above every principality, authority, power, and dominion, and every name that is named not only in this age but also in the one to come.
**1 Peter 4:3:**
**Ephesians 2:2-Ephesians 2:3,** **Ephesians 4:17-Ephesians 4:19,** **Colossians 3:7,** **And** **Titus 3:3.**
**Ephesians 2:2-Ephesians 2:3.** **NABRE:**
**2** in which you once lived following the age of this world, following the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the disobedient. **3** All of us once lived among them in the desires of our flesh, following the wishes of the flesh and the impulses, and we were by nature children of wrath, like the rest.

**Ephesians 4:17-Ephesians 4:19.** **NABRE:**
**17** So I declare and testify in the Lord that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds; **18** darkened in understanding, alienated from the life of God because of their ignorance, because of their hardness of heart, **19** they have become callous and have handed themselves over to licentiousness for the practice of every kind of impurity to excess.

**Colossians 3:7.** **NABRE:**
**7** By these you too once conducted yourselves, when you lived in that way.

**Titus 3:3.** **NABRE:**
**3** For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, deluded, slaves to various desires and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful ourselves and hating one another.
**1 Peter 4:5:**
**Acts 10:42,** **And** **2 Timothy 4:1.**
**Acts 10:42.** **NABRE:**
**42** He commissioned us to preach to the people and testify that he is the one appointed by God as judge of the living and the dead.

**2 Timothy 4:1.** **NABRE:**
**Chapter 4**
**Solemn Charge.**
**1** I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingly power:
**1 Peter 4:8:**
**Proverbs 10:12,** **And** **James 5:20.**
**Proverbs 10:12.** **NABRE:**
**12** Hatred stirs up disputes,

but love covers all offenses.

**James 5:20.** **NABRE:**
**20** he should know that whoever brings back a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.
**1 Peter 4:9:**
**Hebrews 13:2.**
**Hebrews 13:2.** **NABRE:**
**2** Do not neglect hospitality, for through it some have unknowingly entertained angels.
**1 Peter 4:10:**
**Romans 12:6-Romans 12:8,** **And** **1 Corinthians 12:4-1 Corinthians 12:11.**
**Romans 12:6-Romans 12:8.** **NABRE:**
**6** Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us exercise them: if prophecy, in proportion to the faith; **7** if ministry, in ministering; if one is a teacher, in teaching; **8** if one exhorts, in exhortation; if one contributes, in generosity; if one is over others, with diligence; if one does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.

**1 Corinthians 12:4-1 Corinthians 12:11.** **NABRE:**
**4** There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; **5** there are different forms of service but the same Lord; **6** there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. **7** To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit. **8** To one is given through the Spirit the expression of wisdom; to another the expression of knowledge according to the same Spirit; **9** to another faith by the same Spirit; to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit; **10** to another mighty deeds; to another prophecy; to another discernment of spirits; to another varieties of tongues; to another interpretation of tongues. **11** But one and the same Spirit produces all of these, distributing them individually to each person as he wishes.

**One Body, Many Parts.**
**1 Peter 4:11:**
**1 Corinthians 10:31.**
**1 Corinthians 10:31.** **NABRE:**
**31** So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.
**1 Peter 4:12:**
**1 Peter 1:6-1 Peter 1:7,** **1 Peter 3:14,** **And** **1 Peter 3:17.**
**1 Peter 1:6-1 Peter 1:7.** **NABRE:**
**6** In this you rejoice, although now for a little while you may have to suffer through various trials, **7** so that the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold that is perishable even though tested by fire, may prove to be for praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

**1 Peter 3:14.** **NABRE:**
**14** But even if you should suffer because of righteousness, blessed are you. Do not be afraid or terrified with fear of them,

**1 Peter 3:17.** **NABRE:**
**17** For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that be the will of God, than for doing evil.
**1 Peter 4:13:**
**Romans 5:3-Romans 5:5,** **Romans 8:17,** **And** **2 Timothy 2:12.**
**Romans 5:3-Romans 5:5.** **NABRE:**
**3** Not only that, but we even boast of our afflictions, knowing that affliction produces endurance, **4** and endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope, **5** and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the holy Spirit that has been given to us.

**Romans 8:17.** **NABRE:**
**17** and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if only we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.

**Destiny of Glory.**
**2 Timothy 2:12.** **NABRE:**
**12** if we persevere

we shall also reign with him.

But if we deny him

he will deny us.
**1 Peter 4:14:**
**Acts 5:41,** **And** **Isaiah 11:2.**
**Acts 5:41.** **NABRE:**
**41** So they left the presence of the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had been found worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of the name.

**Isaiah 11:2.** **NABRE:**
**2** The spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him:

a spirit of wisdom and of understanding,

A spirit of counsel and of strength,

a spirit of knowledge and of fear of the Lord,
**1 Peter 4:17:**
**Luke 23:31,** **And** **2 Thessalonians 1:8.**
**Luke 23:31.** **NABRE:**
**31** for if these things are done when the wood is green what will happen when it is dry?”

**2 Thessalonians 1:8.** **NABRE:**
**8** in blazing fire, inflicting punishment on those who do not acknowledge God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.
**1 Peter 1:18:**
**Proverbs 11:31.**
**Proverbs 11:31.** **NABRE:**
**31** If the just are recompensed on the earth,

how much more the wicked and the sinner!
**1 Peter 5:2:**
**Acts 20:28,** **And** **Titus 1:7.**
**Acts 20:28.** **NABRE:**
**28** Keep watch over yourselves and over the whole flock of which the holy Spirit has appointed you overseers, in which you tend the church of God that he acquired with his own blood.

**Titus 1:7.** **NABRE:**
**7** For a bishop as God’s steward must be blameless, not arrogant, not irritable, not a drunkard, not aggressive, not greedy for sordid gain,
**1 Peter 5:4:**
**Wisdom 5:15-Wisdom 5:16,** **1 Corinthians 9:25,** **2 Timothy 4:8,** **And** **James 1:12.**
**Wisdom 5:15-Wisdom 5:16.** **NABRE:**
**15** But the righteous live forever,

and in the Lord is their recompense,

and the thought of them is with the Most High.

**16** Therefore shall they receive the splendid crown,

the beautiful diadem, from the hand of the Lord,

For he will shelter them with his right hand,

and protect them with his arm.

**1 Corinthians 9:25.** **NABRE:**
**25** Every athlete exercises discipline in every way. They do it to win a perishable crown, but we an imperishable one.

**2 Timothy 4:8.** **NABRE:**
**8** From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me, which the Lord, the just judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but to all who have longed for his appearance.

**James 1:12.** **NABRE:**
**Temptation.**
**12** Blessed is the man who perseveres in temptation, for when he has been proved he will receive the crown of life that he promised to those who love him.
**1 Peter 5:5:**
**Proverbs 3:34.**
**Proverbs 3:34.** **NABRE:**
**34** Those who scoff, he scoffs at,

but the lowly he favors.
**1 Peter 5:6:**
**Job 22:29,** **And** **James 4:10.**
**Job 22:29.** **NABRE:**
**29** For when they are brought low, you will say, “It is pride!”

But downcast eyes he saves.

**James 4:10.** **NABRE:**
**10** Humble yourselves before the Lord and he will exalt you.
**1 Peter 5:7:**
**Psalms 55:23,** **Matthew 6:25-Matthew 6:33,** **Luke 12:22-Luke 12:31,** **And** **Philippians 4:6.**
**Psalms 55:23.** **NABRE:**
**23** Cast your care upon the Lord,

who will give you support.

He will never allow

the righteous to stumble.

**Matthew 6:25-Matthew 6:33.** **NABRE:**
**Dependence on God.**
**25** “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat [or drink], or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? **26** Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you more important than they? **27** Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span? **28** Why are you anxious about clothes? Learn from the way the wild flowers grow. They do not work or spin. **29** But I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was clothed like one of them. **30** If God so clothes the grass of the field, which grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow, will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith? **31** So do not worry and say, ‘What are we to eat?’ or ‘What are we to drink?’ or ‘What are we to wear?’ **32** All these things the pagans seek. Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. **33** But seek first the kingdom [of God] and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides.

**Luke 12:22-Luke 12:31.** **NABRE:**
**Dependence on God.**
**22** He said to [his] disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life and what you will eat, or about your body and what you will wear. **23** For life is more than food and the body more than clothing. **24** Notice the ravens: they do not sow or reap; they have neither storehouse nor barn, yet God feeds them. How much more important are you than birds! **25** Can any of you by worrying add a moment to your life-span? **26** If even the smallest things are beyond your control, why are you anxious about the rest? **27** Notice how the flowers grow. They do not toil or spin. But I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of them. **28** If God so clothes the grass in the field that grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow, will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith? **29** As for you, do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, and do not worry anymore. **30** All the nations of the world seek for these things, and your Father knows that you need them. **31** Instead, seek his kingdom, and these other things will be given you besides.

**Philippians 4:6.** **NABRE:**
**6** Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God.
**1 Peter 5:8:**
**1 Thessalonians 5:6.**
**1 Thessalonians 5:6.** **NABRE:**
**6** Therefore, let us not sleep as the rest do, but let us stay alert and sober.
**1 Peter 5:10:**
**Romans 8:18,** **And** **2 Corinthians 4:17.**
**Romans 8:18.** **NABRE:**
**18** I consider that the sufferings of this present time are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed for us.

**2 Corinthians 4:17.** **NABRE:**
**17** For this momentary light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,
**1 Peter 5:14:**
**Romans 16:16,** **1 Corinthians 16:20,** **And** **2 Corinthians 13:12.**
**Romans 16:16.** **NABRE:**
**16** Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.

**1 Corinthians 16:20.** **NABRE:**
**20** All the brothers greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.

**2 Corinthians 13:12.** **NABRE:**
**12** Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the holy ones greet you.

## OTHER BOOKS OF THE NEW AMERICAN BIBLE - REVISED EDITION TRANSLATION

 **THE BOOKS OF THE CATHOLIC BIBLE IN THE NEW AMERICAN BIBLE - REVISED EDITION TRANSLATION**

### Old Testament

#### The Pentateuch:

1. The Book of Genesis
2. The Book of Exodus
3. The Book of Leviticus
4. The Book of Numbers
5. The Book of Deuteronomy

#### The Historical Books:

1. The Book of Joshua
2. The Book of Judges
3. The Book of Ruth
4. The First Book of Samuel
5. The Second Book of Samuel
6. The First Book of Kings
7. The Second Book of Kings
8. The First Book of Chronicles
9. The Second Book of Chronicles
10. The Book of Ezra
11. The Book of Nehemiah

#### The Biblical Novellas:

1. The Book of Tobit
2. The Book of Judith
3. The Book of Esther

#### The Maccabean Books:

1. The First Book of Maccabees
2. The Second Book of Maccabees

#### The Poetic Books:

1. The Book of Job
2. The Book of Psalms
3. The Book of Proverbs
4. The Book of Ecclesiastes
5. The Song of Songs
6. The Book of Wisdom
7. The Wisdom of Ben Sira

#### The Prophetic Books:

1. The Book of Isaiah
2. The Book of Jeremiah
3. The Book of Lamentations
4. The Book of Baruch
5. The Book of Ezekiel
6. The Book of Daniel
7. The Book of Hosea
8. The Book of Joel
9. The Book of Amos
10. The Book of Obadiah
11. The Book of Jonah
12. The Book of Micah
13. The Book of Nahum
14. The Book of Habakkuk
15. The Book of Zephaniah
16. The Book of Haggai
17. The Book of Zechariah
18. The Book of Malachi

### New Testament

#### The Four Gospels

1. The Gospel according to Matthew
2. The Gospel according to Mark
3. The Gospel according to Luke
4. The Gospel according to John

#### The Pauline Letters

1. The Letter to The Romans
2. The First Letter to The Corinthians
3. The Second Letter to The Corinthians
4. The Letter to The Galatians
5. The Letter to The Ephesians
6. The Letter to The Philippians
7. The Letter to The Colossians
8. The First Letter to The Thessalonians
9. The Second Letter to The Thessalonians
10. The First Letter to Timothy
11. The Second Letter to Timothy
12. The Letter to Titus
13. The Letter to Philemon

#### The General Letters/Catholic Letters

1. The Letter of James
2. **The First Letter of Peter**
3. The Second Letter of Peter
4. The First Letter of John
5. The Second Letter of John
6. The Third Letter of John
7. The Letter of Jude