1Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the chosen exiles in the Dispersion, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, 2who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling with his blood: may grace and peace be yours in abundance. 3Blessed be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has caused us to be born again into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, kept in heaven for you, 5who are protected by God's power through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have to suffer various trials, 7so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and rejoice with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9as you obtain the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 10As to this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that would come to you inquired and searched carefully, 11seeking to know what person or time the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow. 12It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, in these things which now have been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things into which angels long to look. 13Therefore, prepare your minds for action, be sober in spirit, set your hope fully on the grace to be given you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, 15but as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in all your conduct; 16because it is written, »You shall be holy, for I am holy.« 17If you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each one's work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your exile on earth. 18You know that you were redeemed from the futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, 19but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. 20He was destined before the foundation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. 21Through him you have confidence in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God. 22Since you have purified your souls by obedience to the truth for a sincere love of the brethren, love one another earnestly from the heart. 23For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. 24For, »All flesh is like grass,and all its glory like the flower of grass.The grass withers,and the flower falls, 25but the word of the Lord stands forever.« And this is the word which was preached to you.