1 Peter, Chapter 2

1. Therefore laying aside all malice, and all deceit, and hypocrisy, and envy, and all evil speaking,    2. As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that you may grow thereby:    3. If indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.    4. To whom coming, as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God, and precious,    5. You also, as living stones, are built up into a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.    6. Therefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Zion a chief corner stone, chosen and precious: and he who believes in him shall not be disgraced.    7. To you therefore who believe he is precious: but to those who are disobedient, the stone which the builders rejected, the same is made the head of the corner,    8. And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense, even to those who stumble at the word, being disobedient: to which also they were appointed.    9. But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's own people; that you should show forth the praises of him who has called you out of darkness into his marvelous light:    10. Who in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: who had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.    11. Dearly beloved, I appeal to you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;    12. Having your conduct honest among the Gentiles: that, although they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.    13. Submit yourselves to every government authority for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;    14. Or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of those who do well.    15. For so is the will of God, that with well doing you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:    16. As free, and not using your liberty as a covering for maliciousness, but as the servants of God.    17. Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.    18. Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the unjust.    19. For this is pleasing, if a man for the sake of conscience before God endures grief, suffering wrongfully.    20. For what glory is it, if when you are beaten for your faults, you shall take it patiently? But if, when you do well, and suffer for it, you take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.    21. For even to this were you called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow his steps:    22. Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:    23. Who, when he was insulted, did not insult in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten; but committed himself to him that judges righteously:    24. Who his own self bore our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live to righteousness: by whose stripes you were healed.    25. For you were like sheep going astray; but have now returned to the Shepherd and Leader of your souls.