CHAPTER 4

1 Christ then having suffered for us in the flesh, be ye also armed with the same mind: because he who hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;

2 That he may no longer live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.

3 For it is enough for us, that we have wrought, in the past time of life, the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excesses in wine, revellings, banquetings, and wicked idolatries:

4 On account of which they think it strange, that ye run not with them into the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you;

5 Who shall give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.

6 For the gospel has for this end been also preached to the dead, that they may indeed be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the Spirit.

7 But the end of all things is near; be ye then sober, and watchful to pray;

8 And above all things having fervent love among yourselves; for love will cover a multitude of sins.

9 Be hospitable towards one another, without murmurings.

10 As every one has received a gift, minister the same one to another, as good dispensers of the manifold grace of God;

11 If any one speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any one minister, let him do so as by the power which God supplies; that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ; to whom be the glory and the dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

12 Beloved, think it not strange when ye are tried by fire for the purpose of proving you, as though some new thing had happened to you;

13 But inasmuch as ye are partakers of the sufferings of Christ, rejoice; that at the revelation also of his glory ye may exultingly rejoice.

14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you: by them, indeed, he is slandered, but by you he is glorified.

15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or an evil-doer, or as a coveter of another man's goods; but if as a Christian, let him not be ashamed;

16 Nay, let him in this case glorify God: for it is the time, when judgment begins at the house of God;

17 But if it be first on us, what will be the end of those who obey not the gospel of God?

18 And if the righteous be hardly saved, the ungodly and the sinner, where will they appear?

19 Let therefore those who suffer according to the will of God, commit their souls to him, in doing good, as to a faithful possessor.