1 Peter, one sent with a mission pertaining to Jesus Christ (or: an emissary and representative of, and from, [the] Anointed Jesus), to selected and picked out exiles (or: alien residents; sojourners; expatriates; strangers residing in a country not your own) of [the] dispersion (or: from a scattering; of [the] Diaspora), temporarily living beside residents of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, the province of Asia, and Bithynia,"
2 – to folks gathered, laid-out and chosen in accord with and down from Father God's foreknowledge (or: corresponding to a previous experiential and intimate knowledge possessed by God, who is a Father), within a setting-apart of spirit (or: in union with the process of being set apart from common condition and use by [the] Spirit; or: in the midst of a sacred differencing which is a Breath-effect) [leading] into an obedient hearing (or: [focused] to being centered in a listening and paying attention with compliance) and a sprinkling with Jesus Christ's blood (or: a sprinkling of blood, which is Jesus Christ): May grace (or: favor) and peace [= shalom] be multiplied into fullness (or: be brought to fullness) in and among you folks (or: to you folks; for you folks)!"
3 Well-spoken of (or: Eulogized; Blessed; or: Well-gathered, laid-out with ease, and worthy of praise) [is] the God and Father of our Lord, Jesus Christ (or: Who is our Owner, Jesus Christ), the One bringing us to birth again (regenerating us; begetting us back up again; causing us to be born again) down from, in line with and in correspondence to His abundant mercy (or: the much-existing sympathizing and active compassion which is Him) – through Jesus Christ's resurrection forth from out of the midst of dead folks. [We are born again]: into a progressively living expectation (or: into the midst of continuously living hope);"
4 into the midst of an incorruptible (unspoilable; imperishable; unruinable; undecayable), unstained (undefiled), and unfading (or: unwithering) inheritance (or: enjoyment of and participation in an allotted portion as a possession) – one having been kept in view, watched-over, guarded, and which continues being maintained and kept intact within the midst of [the, or our] atmospheres (or: in union with heavens; = in realms of spirit); – [which things were and are being birthed and entering] into the midst of you folks,"
5 the ones being continuously garrisoned within (or: kept under watch and guarded in the center of) God's power, in union with an ability which is God, through [His] faithfulness, into a deliverance (a rescue which brings health, wholeness and a return to your original state and condition; salvation; a [period of] rescue) [which is now] ready to be unveiled (revealed; disclosed) within the midst of and in union with [this] last season (or: resident within a final fitting situation; in a final fertile moment; on [this] last occasion),"
6 within which [season and deliverance] you folks are presently feeling constant joy and happiness and are continuing to rejoice exceedingly – though for a little while, at present, since (or: if) it continues being binding and necessary, being pained (distressed; grieved; sorrowed) within various tests (or: different trials and ordeals) to put you to the proof."
7 [This is] to the end that the examined and tested approval of your faith (of the trust and faithfulness of you folks) – [being] of much greater value and worth, and more precious, than of gold that constantly loses itself away (perishes of itself) despite being progressively tested and examined through fire – might be found [progressing] into praise (approval; commendation) and glory (or: a good reputation) and honor (value; worth) within an unveiling of Jesus Christ (or: in union with a revelation whose source is, which has the character of, and which is, Jesus, [the] Anointed One; in the midst of a disclosure from [Messiah] Jesus),"
8 Whom not seeing (or: perceiving), you folks are continuously loving and accepting (or: experiencing the urge for reunion); into Whom at the present moment you folks are not constantly looking, yet are habitually believing (or: continuously placing [your] trust and loyalty). You folks are repeatedly rejoicing and being very happy in indescribable (or: incapable of being spoken out) joy which also exists having been made glorious (or: by unspeakable and glorified joy; in joy [that is] inexpressible and has made a notable reputation; with joy that is glorious beyond words, and which is filled with imagination and good opinion),"
9 being ones constantly bringing to, or conveying in, yourselves – as provision, attentive care and kindly keeping – the promised goal (the finished product; the aim and result; the purpose and destiny) of the [other MSS: your] faith and trust: deliverance ([the] restoration to wholeness and health; a salvation) of souls (or: from inner beings and selves; or: = of people)!"
10 Concerning (or: Round about) which deliverance (health and wholeness; rescue; salvation) [the] prophets, carefully scrutinizing, sought out and then diligently searched out the [Scriptures] prophesying concerning (or: about) the grace and favor [directed and coming] into you folks,"
11 constantly searching into which season or what kind of situation the Spirit of Christ (or: Christ's spirit; or: the Breath-effect which is the Anointed One), resident within them, was continuing to point to, making [it] evident and clearly visible, repeatedly testifying (witnessing; giving evidence) beforehand about the effects of the experiences and results of the sufferings [projected] into Christ, and the glories (the manifestations which call forth praise; the good opinions and reputations; the appearances of things) after these things,"
12 to which folks (or: in which ones) it was unveiled (revealed; disclosed) that not to or for themselves, but to and for you people, they had been progressively dispensing and serving them – which things are now announced (or: which tidings were brought back) to you through those announcing (proclaiming; bringing and communicating) the message of well-being and goodness (or: good news) to you within [or, with other MSS: by] a set-apart Breath-effect (or: [the] Holy Spirit; or: sacred spirit) being sent forth from [the] atmosphere (or: heaven) – into which things agents (or: messengers; folks that had the message) are habitually and earnestly desiring (are constantly in full passion and craving) to stoop down beside and look (or: peer; peek) inside, so as to obtain a clearer and more accurate view."
13 On which account (or: Wherefore), in preparation for work or action, girding up in yourselves the clothes about the loins (or: waist; = getting ready for action) of your divided thoughts and the things passing through your mind (or: mental perceptions; intellect and comprehension), continuously being perfectly (or: maturely) clear-headed and sober (unintoxicated), direct and set (or: being constantly sober-minded, completely direct and set) your hope and expectation upon the grace and favor being continuously brought (or: periodically and progressively carried) to you within an unveiling (or: in the midst of a disclosure) of Jesus Christ (or: a revelation which is Jesus [the] Anointed One; or: an uncovering which comes from and pertains to Jesus Christ)."
14 As children of (= having the qualities of and characteristics from) submissive, attentive hearing (or: Like listening and obedient born-ones), not being folks repeatedly molding, forming, fashioning or configuring yourselves to and by the former cravings (the prior over-desires or full passions), within your ignorance,"
15 but rather, corresponding to (down from; in accord with) the One calling (or: inviting) you [being] set-apart (or: holy), you folks also let yourselves be made to be (or: be birthed) ones set-apart in the same way, in all behavior (within every conduct; in all turning about or twisting up of [your] way of life),"
16 because it has been written that, "You people will continue being set-apart (or: sacredly different and holy), because I [am] set-apart (or: holy; different from ordinary)." [Lev. 11:44, 45; 19:2; 20:7]"
17 And since (or: if) you folks are habitually calling upon a (or: [the]) Father – the One consistently separating and deciding (or: judging) impartially (without reception of faces, persons, appearances or external circumstances) according to (down from; corresponding to) each one's work or action – let the time of your sojourn (your temporary stay, dwelling alongside as an alien resident or an exile) be turned upward, in the fear of reverent living,"
18 having seen, and thus knowing, that you folks were not unbound and released by a ransom of corruptible things (things that are perishable and subject to spoiling) – by little coins of silver or gold – from out of your fruitless behavior (vain conduct; idle and foolish way of life) handed down by tradition from the fathers (= your ancestors),"
19 but rather by Christ's precious blood (or: in valuable blood, which is [the] Anointed One; with honorable blood of anointing; by costly blood from [the Messiah]) – as of a flawless (unblemished) and spotless Lamb:"
20 being One having been foreknown (previously known by intimate experience), indeed, before [the] casting down (as of material for a foundation: founding; as of seed in a field: sowing; as of seed of a man: conception [cf Heb. 11:11]; as in throwing something down: overthrowing; as in battle = slaying; in politics: abandoning [a measure]; of debts: paying down by installments;) of [the; or: an] ordered System (world; universe; a particular order or arrangement of things; or: = the aggregate of humanity), yet One being set in clear light and manifested upon [the] last part (or: final; [p72 and others read plural: last things, circumstances or aspects]) of the times (or: of the [or: these] successive chronological time periods) because of you folks –"
21 the ones [who] through Him [are] folks trustingly adhering unto God (or: [are] believing ones, ones full of faith, and confiding ones [proceeding] [p 72 & other MSS read the present participle: ones habitually putting trust] into God): the One awakening and raising Him up, forth from out of the midst of dead folks (or: from out of union with dead people), and giving glory to Him (a good reputation for Him; a manifestation which calls forth praise in Him). Consequently, your faith (trust; confidence; loyalty) and expectation (or: hope) are to continuously exist being [plugged; put; focused] into God (or: are to be [returned] into the midst of God)!"
22 Having purified your souls (= inner selves) within the hearing obedience (the humble, attentive listening and submissive hearing) of the Truth and from Reality [which directs and leads] into unhypocritical (non-hypercritical; non-hyper-separating so as to over-evaluate; not determined from below; non-nit-picky; or: unpretended; unfeigned; thus: genuine) brotherly affection (= fondness for the fellow believers), love one another with acceptance in a stretched-out and extended way, from out of a clean [other MSS: true; genuine] heart,"
23 being folks having been born again (been regenerated; been given birth back up again), not from out of a corruptible (or: perishable) seed that was sown, but rather from an incorruptible (imperishable; undecayable) one: through God's continually living and permanently remaining Word (or: through a message or expressed thought of [the] continuously living and constantly abiding God; or: through means of a living and dwelling Thought, Idea and Logically laid out Expression and Communication, which is God),"
24 because, "All flesh [is] like grass (or: vegetation), and all its glory [is] like a flower of grass (of vegetation): the grass is caused to dry out and wither, and the flower falls off..."
25 "yet the gush-effect of the Lord (result of what flowed from [Yahweh]; saying, declaration or thing spoken concerning the Lord) is constantly abiding (continuously remaining), on into The Age (or: the era [of the Messiah])." [Isa. 40:6-8] Now this continues being "the saying" (the declaration; the gush-effect) being announced as well-being and goodness to you folks (or: And this is the thing, and the result of the flow, being spoken into you in the good news)."
1 Therefore, being folks putting off (setting away; ridding) from yourselves all poor quality (worthlessness; bad character; malice; what is not as it ought to be; wickedness) and all deceitful bait (fraud; guile) and “answers” from perverse scholarship (or: underlying decisions affecting interpretations and judgments made from opinions; or: overly critical behaviors; deficiencies in ability to sift and decide; judgments from inferior positions; legalistic pulling-apart of things for critical analysis; under-assessments) and envies and all down-talks (speeches or talks which put people, issues or situations down; backbiting),"
2 as recently born infants, intensely yearn (crave; long) for the non-baiting (undeceitful; guileless; honest; unadulterated) milk belonging to the Word which is pertaining to thought, reason and communication, and which contains the qualities and characteristics contained in the message – to the end that, within it, you folks can (or: would; may) grow and increase into health and wholeness (deliverance; rescued safety; salvation; restoration),"
3 since (or: if) you folks, "by sipping, tasted (= experienced) that the Lord [= Yahweh or Christ] [is] good, kind and useful (or: obliging and profitable)!" [Ps. 34:9]"
4 Continuously approaching toward Whom – a living Stone, on the one hand being One having been and still being thrown away (rejected; disapproved) by mankind (humans; people), as the result of a test; yet, on the other hand a Chosen One, a Precious (Inwardly-valuable; [held]-in-honor) One, beside God (= side-by-side with God; = in the presence of God; = in God's view) –"
5 you yourselves are, as living stones, continuously being erected (or: progressively constructed and built up), [being] a spiritual house (a building with its source being the Spirit, with the characteristics of a Breath-effect), into a set-apart (or: holy; sacred; different-from-the-ordinary) priesthood to bear up spiritual sacrifices (or: offerings) well (or: most) acceptable in God (or: by God; to God; with God), through Jesus Christ,"
6 so that it continues being contained (encompassed; included) in Scripture: "Consider (Behold; Look)! I am progressively setting (placing; laying) within Zion a chosen (picked-out), precious (held in honor and value) cornerstone lying at the extreme angle, and the one habitually trusting (relying; believing; investing loyalty) upon It may by no means be disgraced or brought to shame or be disappointed." [Isa. 28:16]"
7 Therefore, in (or: for; with) you folks – those habitually trusting (constantly believing and remaining convinced) – [is] the Precious and Honorable One (or: To you then, who continue loyal, [He is] valuable). Yet for (or: to; in; with) those continuing being without faith (or: being habitually distrustful; being constantly unbelieving or disloyal), [He is] "A Stone which those in process of building the house reject (or: threw away after inspecting and trying) – this One is brought to be (or: was birthed) into [position of] Head and Source of [the] corner, " [Ps. 118:22]"
8 also [He is] "A Stone that [people] strike against and that causes a stumbling-effect, even a Rock-mass which functions as a trap-spring (designed to be a snare), " [Isa. 8:14] who, continuing being unpersuaded (unconvinced and thus, uncompliant or stubborn), are repeatedly stumbling by (or: in) the Word (or: who are constantly stumbling, habitually being disobedient to the message), into which [situation] they were placed (= as it was planned)."
9 Yet you folks [are] "a picked-out (selected; chosen) offspring (family; kin; lineage; race; species; breed) [Isa. 43:20; Deut. 7:6], a royal (kingly; palace) priesthood [Ex. 19:6; Isa. 61:6], a set-apart (holy; different) multitude (company; nation; body of people living together; swarm; association; ethnic group; caste; [Ex. 19:6; note: implies a sacred life]), a people constructed into an encirclement (made into a surrounding structure; set as a perimeter; made into a performance about [Him]; formed around as an acquisition; gathered into a surrounding [flock])" [Isa. 43:21; Ex. 19:5] – so that you may tell forth the message of (or: out-message; publish; declare abroad) the excellencies and qualities of nobleness (virtues of braveness, courage, good character, quality, self-restraint, magnificence, benevolence, reliability) of and from the One calling you out of darkness (gloomy dimness; the realm of shadows and obscurity) into the midst of His wonderful (marvelous; amazing) light [p72 reads: into the wonderful Light],"
10 [you] who [were] once (or: formerly) "not a people, " but now [are] "God's people;" [formerly] being the ones having "not been given mercy, " yet now [are] "folks being mercied (being given mercy)." [Hos. 2:25]"
11 Folks that are loved (Beloved ones): I am presently calling you alongside to encourage, aid, comfort and admonish you, as resident aliens (exiles; sojourners; one dwelling beside citizens in a foreign country) and temporary residents (expatriates; strangers) to continually hold yourselves away from the fleshly over-desires (passions; full-rushing upon things), which things are constantly warring (doing military service; battling) down against the soul (the inner self and being),"
12 continuously holding your beautiful behavior (your fine and ideal turning yourselves back around) among the multitudes (the companies; the associations; the ethnic groups; the nations; the castes; the non-Jews, or, Gentiles), to the end that, within what thing they are continually speaking down pertaining to you folks (repeatedly speaking against you) as of ones constantly doing the worthless and things of bad quality (or: as of evildoers or criminals; as of those repeatedly creating bad situations or forming what not ought to be), repeatedly looking upon and observing as eyewitnesses the outcome from the beautiful actions (the fine deeds; the ideal and honorable works), they may glorify (or: give a good opinion of) God, within a day of inspection and overseeing care."
13 Because of, and by, the Lord [= Yahweh or Christ], you folks are to be humbly aligned in and to every human creation and with every societal invention (or: be subordinated to every human framing; let yourselves be arranged under for support of every founding or institution pertaining to mankind which brings order to a state of wildness): whether to (or: by; for) a king, as to (or: by; for) one being superior (or: constantly holding over [others]; = as a prominent cultural institution),"
14 or to (or; by; for) governors (government officials; rulers; leaders; guides), as to (or: by; for; with) those being regularly sent (or: dispatched) by Him unto a maintaining of right, in regard to doers of worthlessness (or: into a correction from out of the way pointed out pertaining to those creating bad situations; unto an administering of justice, fairness and equity of situations affected by evildoers) – yet on the other hand, [sent] unto a commendation (a praise; applause) of those habitually doing good things (performing with virtue; constructing excellence)."
15 Because thus is God's will (or: For God's intent and purpose exists in this manner): folks habitually doing good things (constructing excellence; performing with virtues; creating goodness) to repeatedly muzzle (continuously gag; thus: progressively silence) the ignorance of senseless and thoughtless people (humans without intellect and prudence; unreasonable folks);"
16 as free folks (those not bound) – and not continually holding (or: having) the freedom as a covering (or: a veil) of worthlessness (bad quality; evil; poorness of situation) – but still, as God's slaves."
17 Value everyone (Honor all)! Habitually love (Practice loving) the brotherhood (= the organism of fellow-believers)! Practice reverence to God (or: Habitually fear God; Be constantly respecting and revering God)! Be continuously valuing and showing honor to the king (or: the One Who reigns)."
18 The domestics (house servants or slaves; members of a household), those habitually being subordinated (being humbly aligned and subjected for support) by (or: to; for) the owners (masters): [conduct yourselves] in all fear and respect – not only to the good and lenient (reasonable, suitable; equitable; gentle; considerate) ones, but also to the crooked folks –"
19 for this [is] grace: if through [the] conscience, which is God, (or: through awareness pertaining to God; or: by means of a joint-knowing with God; or: because of consciousness of God), someone is continuing to bear and hold up under distress or pains (griefs; sorrows; anxieties; sufferings), continuously experiencing it wrongfully (unjustly; contrarily, in regard to fairness and right relationship; undeservedly)!"
20 For what sort of credible report (honorable rumor; credit; fame; praiseworthy reputation) [is it] if, being ones habitually doing what is wrong (failing to hit the target; sinning) and being repeatedly beaten and struck with a fist [p72 & other MSS: repeatedly lopped-off and pruned], you folks will continue [p72 & other MSS read: you are constantly] remaining under and enduring [it]? But to the contrary, if while habitually practicing virtue (doing good; constructing excellence) and [at the same time] repeatedly experiencing such bad treatment (or: continually suffering) you will continue [p72 reads: you are constantly] humbly remaining under, enduring and supporting [it], this [is] grace at the side of (or: from beside; = in the presence of) God,"
21 for into this you are called (or: were invited), because Christ also experienced [this] (or: suffered) over you folks (or: for your sakes), leaving continuously below (or: behind) in you (or: with and for you) an underwriting (a writing under which you are to write or copy; hence: a pattern; a model) to the end that you could (or: would) follow-on in the footprints of Him"
22 "Who does not make a mistake (Who did not perform failure; Who does no sin; Who does not construct failure to hit the target), nor is (or: was) deceitful bait (fraud; guile) found in His mouth;" [Isa. 53:9]"
23 Who, being repeatedly reviled (harshly and bitingly rebuked and insulted), was not reviling back (answering insult with insult; taking the position of harsh, biting rebuke); continuously (or: repeatedly) suffering (experiencing ill treatment), he was not threatening, but kept on giving [the situation] over to the One at His side: the One constantly sifting, separating and deciding (or: judging) fairly (equitably; following the Path of the Way pointed out, bringing situations to a rightwised condition),"
24 Who, Himself, bore back up again our failures (our mistakes; our times of falling short or to the side of the target; our sins and errors) [Isa. 53:4, 12] within His body upon the tree (the wood; the stake), to the end that, being folks suddenly coming to be parted away from the failures (mistakes; errors; sins; misses of the target), we can (or: would; may) live in (or: by; for; with) the fairness and equity, in rightwised relationships, in the Path of the Way pointed out (or: = in covenant participation), where "you folks are (or: were) healed (or: cured) in the wound (or: by the welt; in the bruise of the blow)." [Isa. 53:5]"
25 For you folks were continuing to be "like sheep, being habitually caused to wander (being led astray; or, as a middle: people constantly wandering away), " [Isa. 53:6] but now in contrast, "you are (or: were) turned around and made to return, upon" [the will of; the herding of] the Shepherd and Overseer of (Supervisor of; the One who watches over) your souls (your inner beings)."
1 Likewise (In like manner), you wives: [Be] habitually with humility aligning yourselves to your own husbands (or: women: [Be] continually arranging yourselves for support, under your own adult males), to the end that if any (or: certain ones) are habitually unpersuaded by the Word (or: uncompliant or disobedient to the message; unconvinced with the thought, reason or idea), they will continue being profited (will progressively receive advantage; or: will proceed in being acquired as gain) without a word (or: message; reason), through the behavior (or: conduct; way of life) of the wives (or: women),"
2 being eyewitnesses of (or: looking upon and observing) the pure behavior (or: way of life; conduct) of you folks – which is turned upward in reverence, respect and [sacred] fear and awe –"
3 whose world must not consist of the external adornment – of braiding or interweaving or struggling with [the] hair and [the] placing-around of gold ornaments, or of dressing up (putting on garments) –"
4 but to the contrary, [it should consist of] the hidden person (concealed humanity; cloaked personality) of the heart, within the incorruptible and imperishable quality of the gentle (tender; mild; calm; kind; meek) and still (at ease; restful; tranquil; quiet) spirit (or: attitude; disposition; or: Breath-effect), which is (or: continually exists being) of great value and very costly in God's sight (= view, or, perspective)."
5 For thus, at one time, the set-apart wives (or: the holy women) – those being in the habit of placing their expectations and hopes into God – used to normally arrange their world and adorn themselves, constantly being put in humble alignment to their own husbands (or: continuously being arranged under their own adult males, to give support),"
6 as Sarah used to humbly hear and submissively obey Abraham, habitually calling him "lord" ("master;" "my owner"), of which woman you were birthed children (or: you are become her born ones [= daughters]), women normally doing good (performing virtue; creating excellence), and not being repeatedly caused to fear even one dismay (alarm; intimidation)."
7 Husbands (or: Adult males), likewise (or: in like manner): Continuously dwelling together (cohabiting; making a joint home) with [them] corresponding to intimate, experiential knowledge [of them] (= with a learned insight and an intelligent recognition of the nature and aspects of a married situation), [be] habitually assigning (portioning-off; awarding; allotting) honor (value; worth) to the female attributes (things pertaining to a woman; or: to a feminine one) as to a person having a disadvantaged position in her living (or: a weaker livelihood; or: a weaker vessel, utensil, instrument, container, gear, furniture, equipment), yet as to co-heirs of Life's grace and favor (or: of [the] grace which is life; or, with other MSS: as joint-participants in an inheritance of manifold {diverse; varied; multicolored} grace – of life [p72 adds: pertaining to and having the qualities of the Age {of eonian life}]), into the [situation where] your thoughts, words and actions projected toward goodness (or: prayers) continue not to be hindered or blocked, as if by a trench being cut in their path to impede their progress."
8 Now [this is] the goal (the final situation; the end of the process): all [are to be] like-minded (of the same frame of mind and disposition), folks sharing and expressing the same feelings (being sympathetic), ones being fond of and expressing affection for the brothers (= fellow believers; = communal members), people tenderhearted and compassionate, folks of a humble disposition and way of thinking;"
9 not being ones habitually giving back (repaying; rendering; giving away) bad in the place of bad (or: poor quality in exchange for poor quality; evil for evil) or abusive language in the place of abusive language (reviling in exchange for reviling; insulting back against insults), but just the opposite: constantly speaking things that embody wellness or give a blessing, because into this you are called (or: were invited), to the end that you folks may inherit a word embodying wellness (a blessing; a message of goodness; a thought bringing ease)."
10 For you see, "the person who continues purposing (willing; intending; wanting) to be habitually loving life, and to see and experience good days, let his tongue at once cease from [the] worthless and poor of quality (from [the] bad and evil) and his lips speak no deceitful bait (fraud; guile)."
11 "Now let him bend to incline forth and turn out, away from [the] worthless and poor of quality (from [what is] bad or evil), and let him do (practice; construct; produce) [the] good (or: virtue; excellence); let him seek and try to find peace and harmony; let him also run after it and pursue it,"
12 "because [the] Lord's [= Yahweh's] eyes [are] upon (= He looks with favor on) [the] fair and equitable folks (the rightwised ones; the just ones who walk in the Way pointed out), and His ears [directed] into their request pertaining to need; yet [the] face of [the] Lord [= Yahweh] (i.e., His countenance and posturing) [is] upon (= set against) wrongdoers (those constantly practicing worthless things, repeatedly constructing bad things or habitually doing evil)." [Ps. 34:13-17]"
13 And who [is] the person who will continue treating you badly (causing evil to come to you) if you folks should come to be zealots in regard to the good (ones boiling hot from the influence of the Good; enthusiasts of virtue and excellence)?"
14 But even if you folks might continue experiencing suffering [as well as other things] because of fairness and equity (justice; walking in the Way pointed out; a rightwised covenant positioning), [you are] happy and blessed ones. "Yet do not fear their fear (i.e., what they fear; or, as a subjunctive: Now you should not be afraid of the fear that has them as a source), nor yet should you folks be shaken (agitated; disturbed; stirred up) [by them]." [Isa. 8:12]"
15 Now "you folks set [the] Lord [= Yahweh] – the Anointed One – apart (or: Yet, let the Lord Christ be set-apart)" [Isa. 8:13], within your hearts! (or: So, treat the Anointed Owner as holy, in the core of your beings), always ready (ever prepared) toward a defense to everyone – for the one repeatedly asking you for a word (i.e., a rational explanation and a logical response) about the expectation within you folks – but still with gentleness (tenderness; meekness; kindness) and deep respect (or: serious caution; reverence; [the] fear [of the Lord]),"
16 habitually holding a good conscience (or: having a virtuous joint-knowing, from possessing a clear joined-perception), so that those, having a habit of spitefully abusing and harassing your good behavior (or: conduct; way of life) within, and in union with, Christ, may be brought to shame and disgrace relating to that within which you folks are constantly being defamed (spoken down against)."
17 You see, [it is] a stronger [case, position or reputation] to be repeatedly experiencing harassment, abuse or suffering [while, or, because of] habitually doing good (practicing virtue; creating goodness) – if God's purpose (intent; will) may be repeatedly willing it – than [because of] constantly doing what is wrong, bad or worthless,"
18 because even Christ (or: considering that Messiah also) died [other MSS: suffered], once for all, concerning and in relation to failures to hit the target (about errors and mistakes; around and encompassing sins [some MSS: our failures; other MSS: your failures]) – a Just One (a rightwised One; One in accord with the Way pointed out; a fair and equitable individual) over [the situation of] (or: for the sake of) unjust ones (capsized folks; those out of accord with the Way pointed out; unfair and inequitable people) – to the end that He at once may bring (or: can lead; would conduct) you folks [other MSS: us] to (or: toward) God. [He], on the one hand, being put to death in flesh (= a physical body), yet on the other hand, being made alive in spirit (or: indeed, being put to death by flesh {or: = the estranged human condition}, yet, being engendered a living one by Breath-effect {or: [the] Spirit}),"
19 at one point journeying (going from one place to another; passing on) within which (or: in union with Which), He also proclaimed (published; preached; heralded) the message to and for (or: among) the spirits in prison (within a guardhouse):"
20 to and for those being at one time unconvinced (unpersuaded; disobedient; uncompliant) within [the] days of Noah, when (or: while) he was continuing to be receiving forth, and taking away from, out of God's state of emotional quietness (taking a long time before rushing or being in a heat of passion; long-enduring patience) while [the] ark was progressively being prepared and equipped (constructed to readiness) – into which a few folks, that is, eight souls (= people), were brought safely through [the] water (or: were brought safely through, by means of water),"
21 [into] which, also, an echo of correspondent form (or: a copy; an antitype; an impress which answers back; in place of the type or pattern) is now progressively delivering (rescuing) you folks (or: repeatedly bringing you to safety): immersion (submersion and envelopment which brings absorption and permeation to the point of saturation) – not [the] putting off of [the] filth (removal of dirt) away from [the] flesh (= not baptism or bathing of the physical body, or the removal of the alienated false persona), but rather – the result of a full inquiry into the midst of God (or: the effect of an added request unto God; or: = a further quest into “the Divine Mystery” – Paul Tillich) made by a good conscience (from an excellent joint-knowing; in relation to virtuous co-knowledge). [It saves you and it is made] through means of [the] resurrection of Jesus Christ,"
22 Who continuously exists (or: is; has being) within [the place of] (or: = on or at) God's right [side, or hand; – i.e., the place of authority and ability to exercise power; the place of receiving], going from place to place, journeying into [the] atmosphere (or: heaven) of those being humbly aligned by Him (or: pertaining to those subjected, placed and arranged under in Him; which are the folks being set in order for support to Him): of agents (or: messengers; folks with the message), and of authorities (or: those who have the right and privilege from out of Being), and of powers (or: folks with abilities and influence)."
1 Christ, then, having undergone experiences and suffering in flesh (or: being physically and emotionally affected to the point of suffering) over us (or: over our [situation] and for our sakes), you folks also arm and equip yourselves with the same mental inclination (idea; thought; way of thinking; frame of mind; attitude), because the person [thus] suffering or going through physical or emotional experiences which affect him in [the] flesh (or: = by [his] estranged humanity or alienated self) has in and for himself put a stop to failures, errors and mistakes (or: sins) [or, with other MSS: has been caused to cease from sin],"
2 [and comes] into the [condition or situation] to no longer live out the additional remaining course [of his] time within [the] flesh (= in the natural realm) in the midst of (or: in union with) [the] full passions (or: for [the] over-desires; to [the] rushings of emotions upon things) of humans (or: pertaining to or originating in mankind), but to the contrary, in God's will (or: for God's intent; to God's purpose)."
3 For the time having gone by [is] sufficient (= you have spent enough time, in the past,) to have accomplished (to have worked down and effected) the thing desired by (or: the intention of) the multitudes (the nations; the swarms of ethnic groups living together; the non-Jews; the Gentiles), having gone from place to place in indecent and licentious debaucheries (deeds of loose conduct), in rushing passions and over-desires, in excesses bubbling over with wine, in carousing and festive processions, in drinking parties, and in forbidden (i.e., illegal in respect to the natural laws of reason, conscience and common decency) idolatries (or: being a servant to or worshiping external forms or appearances, phantoms of the mind, unsubstantial or reflected images, or conveyed impressions),"
4 within which they, repeatedly speaking abusively, slanderously, injuriously and giving a false image [about you, as well as about other folks], are constantly struck with surprise, thinking it strange and foreign that you folks are not always running together with [them], as a mob, into the same flooding (pouring forth) of unhealthiness and lack of safety (or: dissoluteness of a course devoid of salvation)."
5 Such folks will continue rendering an account (or: giving back a reason) to the One readily and continually judging (separating and making a decision about) [p72: prepared to judge; other MSS: constantly holding {Himself} in readiness to judge] living folks and dead ones,"
6 for into this [purpose], also, the message of goodness and well-being is (or: the good news was suddenly) brought and announced to dead folks, to the end that on the one hand they may at some point be judged (or: can be separated and decided about) – corresponding to humans – in flesh (or: according to humans in flesh; or: = in the sphere of people with estranged selves; or: = on the level of mankind in an alienated condition that was enslaved by the System), yet on the other hand, that they can continue living (or: would be habitually living) corresponding to (down from; in line and accord with; in the sphere of) God, in spirit (or: by Breath-effect)."
7 Now the Goal (or: the end; the final act; or: the finished Product; or: the completion of the plan) of all people (and: pertaining to and affecting all things) has approached and is now near at hand and [He] is close enough to touch (= has arrived)! Therefore, you folks keep a healthy and sound frame of mind (be sane and sensible) and be sober (be unintoxicated; i.e., be functional and with your wits about you) into [a state, condition or realm] with a view toward having goodness and well-being (or: into the midst of prayers)."
8 Before all people (or: = More than anything), continue being folks constantly holding the outstretching and extending love (unambiguous, uniting acceptance) unto yourselves (i.e., into each other) – "because love is constantly covering (habitually throwing a veil over; progressively concealing; [and with other MSS: will be covering]) a multitude of failures (mistakes; errors; misses of the target; sins)." [Prov. 10:12]"
9 [Continue being] those [who are] stranger-loving unto one another (= friendly, kind and hospitable to strangers, foreigners and aliens [inviting them] into the midst of each other's [homes and/or societies]), without expressing dissatisfaction (complaining; grumbling; murmuring),"
10 each one, according as he receives an effect of grace (or: received a result of favor), continuously giving supporting service and dispensing it unto yourselves (i.e., into each other), as beautiful (fine; ideal) house managers (stewards; administrators) of God's varied grace (or: of [the] diverse favor which is God; [as] of a many-colored [tapestry] of grace whose source and character are from God)."
11 If anyone is normally speaking, [let it be] as God's little words (= inspired sayings, messages, thoughts and ideas); if anyone is habitually providing attending service and dispensing, [let it be] as out of [the] strength which God is continually supplying (furnishing; providing), to the end that, in union with all people (and: within all things), God may be constantly glorified (may habitually receive a good reputation) through Jesus Christ, in Whom (by Whom; for Whom; to Whom; with Whom) is (or: exists) the glory (the manifestation of that which calls forth praise; the good reputation) and the strength (the might), on into the ages of the ages (or: into the indefinite time periods of the ages; into the superlative times of the eons)."
12 Beloved ones, do not repeatedly feel like strangers to the burning (= the action of the Fire) within and among you folks, which is habitually happening to you with a view toward your being put to the test (or: which is repeatedly coming into being in the face of a proving trial for you; which is progressively birthing itself to an examination in you), as though a strange thing or a foreign occurrence is repeatedly walking with you folks."
13 But on the contrary, keep on rejoicing and being glad to the extent or degree that you folks are continually participating with a common share in the effects of the experiences and the results of the sufferings of the Christ, to the end that, while continuously exulting and celebrating exceedingly, you folks can (or: should; would) also rejoice within the unveiling of His glory (or: in union with the disclosure of His reputation; or: in the midst of the praise-inducing manifestation which is Him)!"
14 Since (or: If) you folks are constantly being insulted and censured in (or: [because of] union with) the Name of Christ, [you are] happy ones (blessed folks), because God's spirit of glory and power (or: the Breath-effect of the reputation and of the ability of God) is continuously "resting back upon" you folks [cf. Isa. 11:2]."
15 Of course let not any one of you folks be experiencing suffering as a murderer, or a thief, or a doer of worthless or evil things, or, as a meddler (an interferer) in other people's affairs (or: one who focuses on things strange, foreign or "other, " or involving a place-change)."
16 Yet if as a Christian [she or he is suffering], let him or her not continue feeling shame or embarrassment, but let him or her constantly glorify (give credit to; enhance the reputation of; bring an opinion of high status for) God within this Name (or: in union with this name [i.e., "Christian;" or, referring to "the Name of Christ" in vs. 14, above]),"
17 because [it is; this is; now is] the [other MSS: a] fitting situation and fertile moment of the appointed season for the result of the judgment (the effect of the separating for evaluation and decision) to begin (to start) from God's house. Now if first from us, what [will be] the closing act (the final stage; the end; the consummation; the outcome; the finished product) pertaining to those continuing unpersuaded and unconvinced by (or: uncompliant to; disobedient to; stubborn in) God's message of goodness and well-being (or: good news)?"
18 "And if the rightwised one (the fair and just person in right relationships in accord to the Way pointed out) is repeatedly delivered (rescued; brought to safety; made healthy and whole) with difficult labor, then where will the irreverent (the person without pious awe) and the failure (the one who makes mistakes and cannot hit the target; the sinner; the outcast) proceed in making an appearance?" [Prov. 11:31]"
19 So then, also, let those repeatedly feeling the effects of experiences and of suffering which correspond to, and [are] in the sphere of, God's will (intent; purpose) continuously commit their souls to a Faithful Former (or: Loyal Founder; Trustworthy Creator), within [the] producing of good (in union with making of virtue; in construction of excellence; within the midst of performing goodness)."
1 Therefore, I – the one [being] an older man together with [you] (or: a fellow elder person) and a witness of the results of the experiences and of the effects of the sufferings of the Christ, as well as the one [being] a person of common being and existence from the glory (or: a partner of the manifestation which will call forth praise; a fellow participant who has a common share and fellowship which is the glory) being presently about to be progressively unveiled (revealed; or: disclosed) – am repeatedly calling older folks among you to my side, urging, encouraging and being a paraclete:"
2 you folks shepherd (i.e., lead to pasture, feed, tend, protect, care for) God's little flock [that is] among you folks, constantly watching over [them], not in a forced manner (not by exercising compulsion or constraint; or: not unwillingly), but to the contrary, without compulsion (engendering volunteering; yieldingly; or: voluntarily; willingly), in accord with (or: in line with and corresponding to; in the sphere of) God; neither with eagerness for dishonest gain (greedily; for the low reason of what you can get out of it), but rather, readily rushing toward it with passion."
3 Nor yet as ones constantly exercising down-oriented lordship (acting as owners or masters, bearing down with demands) of the members of the inheritance (of those who are the allotments of the heritage; or: of those considered to be small objects to be used in assigning positions or portions), but to the contrary, progressively becoming beaten models (types made by the strike of a hammer; examples) for the little flock,"
4 and so, with the Chief Shepherd (or: the Original and Ruling Shepherd) [thus] being made visible (being shown in clear light), you folks will continue bringing to yourselves – with care and kindly keeping – the unwithering and unfading wreath of the glory (or: the enduring recognition of achievement which comes from this good reputation)."
5 Likewise (or: In like manner), you younger people be humbly placed, arranged and aligned by (or: subjected for support to) older folks. Yet all of you folks (or: everyone) tie on yourselves, as an outer garment (like a slave's apron), the humble attitude (the lowliness of thinking) to one another [other MSS add: continuously being ones that are humbly aligned], because "God habitually sets Himself in opposition, being resistant to those who try to appear conspicuously above others (to haughty and proud ones), yet He constantly gives grace and favor to humble (or: lowly) folks." [Prov. 3:34]"
6 Let yourselves be made humble (or: lowly), then, under God's strong hand – so that He can (or: would) at some point lift you up (or: may elevate or exalt you folks) within a fitting situation (or: in [the] proper appointed-season; in the center of a fertile moment) –"
7 while throwing (or: tossing) your entire concern (whole worry; every anxiety) upon Him, because He constantly cares about and takes an interest around you folks!"
8 Be sober (or: clear headed)! Be awake, alert and watch! Your barrier in the Way pointed out (your road hazard; your opponent at court; the one "in your face" opposing your fairness and equity), one who casts or thrusts something through the midst of folks (e.g., like a soldier casting a javelin or thrusting a sword through someone, or a person throwing an issue through the midst of a group, causing division; or: a slanderer), as a constantly roaring lion, is continuously walking about, incessantly seeking to drink something or someone down (or: searching to gulp and swallow someone down), [comment: this path-hazard and road barrier may have been local religions, cultural or political opposition, or a spirit of contrariness]"
9 to whom take a stand against (withstand; set yourself in opposition), [being] strong (firm; compact) ones in (or: by) the faith, trust and loyalty – [being] folks having seen and thus knowing about these same experiences and sufferings [that] are to repeatedly and progressively bring the goal upon (bring perfection upon; accomplish maturity upon) your brotherhood within the dominating arrangement of the System (or: in the midst of the secular realm; or: in the ordered world of religion, economy, culture and government)."
10 Now the God of all grace and favor (or: the God whose character and quality is all grace and favor; the God Who is every grace and joyous favor), the One calling (or: inviting) you folks – ones experiencing a little and briefly suffering – into His eonian glory (His glory and reputation which has the quality and characteristics pertaining to the realm of the Age and which continues on into an unseen and indefinite time) within Christ Jesus [with other MSS: in union with the Anointed One (= the Messiah)], the Same One (or: He) will continue getting [things, or, you] down and prepare [them, or, you] (or: repair [them; you]; fit, knit or adjust [them; you] thoroughly), will continue setting [things; you] fast and establish [them; you], will continue imparting strength (will make [things; you] strong), [and] will progressively set a base upon which to ground and found [things and you]:"
11 the strength (or: might) [to do these things is] in Him and by Him, on into the ages. It is so (Count on it)! [other MSS: the glory and the strength {is} in Him, on into the superlative times of the ages (or: the ages of the ages)]"
12 Through Silvanus (or: Silas), the faithful and loyal brother who is full of trust, as I continue logically thinking and considering, I write through means of a few [thoughts, lines, or, words; p72 reads: through a short {letter}], persistently calling [you] alongside to encourage, comfort and aid [you], as well as constantly bearing a full witness and adding evidence of this continuing to be God's true (and: real) grace and favor, into which you folks should set yourselves to take a stand (or, as an imperative: into which, [enter] and stand firm!)."
13 The jointly-chosen (selected-together) called-out community (assembly; congregation; ecclesia) within Babylon constantly embraces and greets you folks; also Mark, my son."
14 Embrace as you greet one another within love's expression of affection (a kiss from participation in the transcendent unity of the unambiguous life, and affection which is the urge toward accepting reunion that overcomes existential separation – a synthesis from Tillich's definitions of agape). Peace (and: harmony; = shalom) [is] in (or: [is] by; with) you folks – all those within, in union with, and centered on, Christ [other MSS add: Jesus]! It is so (Amen: Count on it)! [written circa A. D. 65 – Based on the critical analysis of John A.T. Robinson]"