Study Desk

25 For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer [fn] of your souls.

not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.

For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,And His ears are open to their prayers;But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil." Psalms 34:12-16 ">[fn]

But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are blessed. "And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled." Isaiah 8:12">[fn]

But sanctify the Lord God [fn] in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us [fn] to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit,

There is also an antitype which now saves us--baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.

For this reason the gospel was preached also to those who are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.

But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers.

but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.

If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. [fn] On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.

But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people's matters.

Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. [fn]

Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, [fn] not for dishonest gain but eagerly;

nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock;

Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for "God resists the proud,But gives grace to the humble." Proverbs 3:34 ">[fn]

But may [fn] the God of all grace, who called us [fn] to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.

But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge,

Matthew 17:5; Mark 9:7; Luke 9:35">[xr] For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty.