Study Desk

Who, at one time, were a No-people, but, now, are a people of God, - who had not been enjoying mercy, but, now, have received mercy.

Or unto governors, as, through him, sent - for vengeance on evil-doers, but praise to such as do good;

As free, yet, not as a cloak of vice, holding your freedom, but, as God's servants.

Ye domestics, submitting yourselves, in all reverence, unto your masters, - not only unto the good and considerate, but also unto the perverse;

For what sort of honour is it - if, committing sin, and being buffeted, ye endure it? But, if, doing good, and suffering, ye endure it, this, is thankworthy with God.

Who, being reviled, was not reviling again, suffering, he was not threatening, but was making surrender unto him that judgeth righteously, -

For ye were as sheep going astray, but have now turned back unto the shepherd and overseer of your souls.

But the hidden character, of the heart, - in the incorruptible ornament of the quiet, and meek, spirit, which is, in presence of God, of great price.

Not returning evil for evil, nor reviling for reviling, but, on the contrary, bestowing a blessing, - because, hereunto, have ye been called, in order that, a blessing, ye might inherit.

But, the Lord Christ, hallow ye in your hearts, ready always for a defence, unto every one that is asking you a reason concerning, the hope within you, - nevertheless, with meekness and reverence:

Because, Christ also, once for all, concerning sins, died, - Just in behalf of unjust, - in order that he might introduce us unto God; being put to death, indeed, in flesh, but made alive in spirit, -

Which water in manner corresponding, doth, now, save, you also - even immersion, - not a putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the request unto God, for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, -

To the end that, no longer, in men's covetings, but in God's will, ye may live, the still remaining time.

For, unto this end, even unto the dead, was the glad-message delivered, - in order that they might be judged, indeed, according to men in flesh, but might live according to God in spirit.

But, the end of all things, hath drawn near: - be of sound mind, therefore, and be sober for prayers;

But, in so far as ye are taking fellowship in the Christ's sufferings, rejoice! in order that, in the revealing of his glory also, ye may rejoice with exultation:

But, if as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but be glorifying God in this name.

For it is the ripe time for the judgment to begin with the house of God; but, if first with us, what shall be the end of them who yield not unto the glad-message of God?

Shepherd the beloved flock of God, which is among you, - not by compulsion, but by choice, nor yet for base gain, but of a ready mind, -

Nor yet as lording it over the allotted portions, but becoming, ensamples, to the beloved flock;