Study Desk

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.

Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether to the king as the supreme authority,

For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorance of foolish men.

Live in freedom, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God.

For if anyone endures the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God, this is to be commended.

How is it to your credit if you are beaten for doing wrong and you endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.

For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His footsteps:

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

For this is how the holy women of the past adorned themselves. They put their hope in God and were subject to their husbands,

For, "Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech.

For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are inclined to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."

Who can harm you if you are zealous for what is good?

But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be shaken."

But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that you have. But respond with gentleness and respect,

For it is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the spirit,

Consequently, he does not live out his remaining time on earth for human passions, but for the will of God.

For you have spent enough time in the past carrying out the same desires as the Gentiles: living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and detestable idolatry.

If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.

For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who disobey the gospel of God?