1 Since, then, Christ has suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves too with the same intent; for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,
2 so as to live the remaining time in the flesh no longer for human cravings but for the will of God.
3 For the time of our life already gone by is enough for us to have carried out what the Gentiles want, as we went on in debauchery, lusts, drunken bouts, carousing, drinking sessions and abominable idol worship.
4 Wherein they find it strange that you do not run along with them into the same overflow of dissipation, and they speak evil of you.
5 They will render account to him who stands ready to judge the living and the dead.
6 For this is why the gospel was proclaimed even to the dead, that though judged in the flesh as men are, they might live in the spirit as God does.
7 The end of all things has come near; so be clear-minded and keep sober for the sake of prayer.
8 Above everything, hold to an intense love for one another, because love will cover a multitude of sins.
9 Be hospitable toward one another, without murmuring.
10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, like good managers of God's many-sided grace.
11 If anyone speaks, let him speak as uttering oracles of God; if anyone ministers, as out of the might that God furnishes, so that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
12 Beloved, do not be taken aback by the burning among you, which is happening to put you to the test, as though something foreign were befalling you;
13 but to the degree that you share Christ's sufferings, rejoice, so that at the revealing of his glory you may also rejoice and exult.
14 If you are reviled in the name of Christ, happy are you, because the Spirit of glory and of God is resting on you; on their side he is blasphemed, but on yours he is glorified.
15 Let none of you, however, suffer as a murderer, a thief, a wrongdoer, or a busybody in other men's affairs.
16 But if one suffers as a Christian, he should not feel shame; let him glorify God on this account.
17 Because the time has come for the judgment to begin from the house of God; and if first from us, what will be the end of those who refuse to obey the gospel of God?
18 And if the righteous man is saved only with difficulty, where will the ungodly man and the sinner show himself?
19 So then, let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls in well-doing to him, as to a faithful Creator.