LO - I Peter - 2

2:1  Wherefore, laying aside all malice, and all guile and hypocrisies, and envyings, and all evil speaking;

2:2  as newborn babes, earnestly desire the unadulterated milk of the word, that you may grow by it.

2:3  Because, indeed, you have tasted that the Lord is good;

2:4  to whom coming, as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God, and precious;

2:5  you, also, as living stones, are built up a spiritual temple, a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices, most acceptable to God, through Jesus Christ.

2:6  Wherefore, it is contained in the scripture, "Behold I lay in Zion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: whoever trusts in it, shall not be ashamed."

2:7  To you, then, who trust, it is precious; but to unbelieving-- a stone which the builders rejected, which has become the head of the corner--

2:8  a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense. Those who stumble at the word, are disobedient unbelievers, to which, therefore, they were appointed:

2:9  but you are an elect race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a purchased people; that you should declare the perfections of him who has called you from darkness into his marvelous light:

2:10  who formerly were not a people, but now are a people of God; who had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

2:11  Beloved, I beseech you, as sojourners and travelers, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul.

2:12  Have your behavior comely, among the Gentiles, that, whereas, they speak against you, as evil doers, having beheld your good works, they may glorify God, in the day of visitation.

2:13  Be subject, therefore, to every human establishment for the Lord's sake; whether to the king, as supreme;

2:14  or to governor, as those sent by him for the punishment, indeed, of evil doers; but for the praise of them who do good.

2:15  For so is the will of God, that, by doing good, you put to silence the ignorance of foolish men.

2:16  Live as freemen, yet do not use your freedom as a covering of wickedness; but as the servants of God.

2:17  Treat all men with respect: love the brotherhood: fear God: honor the king.

2:18  Let household servants be subject to their masters, with all reverence; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.

2:19  For this is acceptable, if any one, from conscience of God, sustain sorrows, suffering unjustly.

2:20  But what praise is due, if, when you commit faults and are buffeted, you bear it patiently? Yet if, when you do well, and suffer, you bear it patiently, this is acceptable with God.

2:21  Besides, to this you were called; for even Christ suffered for us, leaving us a pattern, that you should follow his footsteps;

2:22  who did not sin, neither was guile found in his mouth;

2:23  who, when he was reviled, did not revile in return; when he suffered he did not threaten, but committed his cause to him who judges righteously--

2:24  who himself bore away our sins in his own body, on the tree; that we, being freed from sins, should live to righteousness; by whose stripes you are healed.

2:25  For you were as sheep going astray, but are now returned to the Shepherd, and Overseer of your souls.