[1 He exhorteth them to cease from sin by the example of Christ. 7 By the approaching end of all
things he exhorteth them to sobriety, charity, &c.]
FORASMUCH then as Christ hath suffered for
us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with
the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the
flesh hath ceased from sin;
2 That he no longer should live the rest of his time
in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.
3 For the time past of our life may suffice us to
have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we
walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings,
banquetings, and abominable idolatries:
4 Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with
them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you:
5 Who shall give account to him that is ready to
judge the quick and the dead.
6 For, for this cause was the gospel preached
also to them that are dead, that they might be
judged according to men in the flesh, but live according
to God in the spirit.
7 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye
therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.
8 And above all things have fervent charity
among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude
of sins.
9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging.
10 As every man hath received the gift, even so
minister the same one to another, as good stewards
of the manifold grace of God.
11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles
of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the
ability which God giveth: that God in all things
may be glorified through Jesus Christ; to whom
be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
12 Beloved, think it not strange, concerning the
fiery trial which is to try you as though some
strange thing happened unto you;
13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of
Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be
revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ,
happy are ye; for the Spirit of glory and of God
resteth upon you. On their part he is evil spoken
of, but on your part he is glorified.
15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or
as a thief, or as an evil-doer, or as a busybody in
the men's matters.
16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not
be ashamed; but let him glorify God on his behalf.
17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at
the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall
the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where
shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?
19 Wherefore, let them that suffer according to
the will of God, commit the keeping of their souls
to him in well-doing, as unto a faithful Creator.
