THE
FIRST LETTER OF THE DELEGATE PETER.
[WRITTEN FROM ROME, A. D. 64.]
I.—PETER (Gk:petros; piece of rock) , a Delegate of Yeshua The Anointed, to the elect resident foreigners of the dispersion, of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Biyournia,–who are chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience, and the sprinkling of the blood of Yeshua The Anointed: May Favor and peace be multiplied to you.
3.–Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Yeshua The Anointed, who, according to his great mercy, has caused us to be brought forth (or fathered) again to a living hope, through the resurrection of Yeshua The Anointed from the dead–to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled, and unfading, preserved in the heavens for us; who, by the power of God, are guarded through faith, to the salvation prepared to be revealed in the last time.
6 On account of this you greatly rejoice, though now, for a little while, (if it is necessary,) you are distressed by various trials; that the testing of your faith, (much more precious than of gold, which perishes, though proved by fire,) may be found to result in praise, and honor, and glory, at the revelation of Yeshua The Anointed; whom, not having seen, you love (agape); on whom, not now seeing, but believing, you greatly rejoice, with joy unspeakable and full of glory–receiving the outcome of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
10 Concerning this salvation, the forthtellers inquired carefully, and searched diligently, who have spoken forth concerning the favor bestowed on you; searching diligently of what things, and what kind of time, the Spirit of The Anointed, who was in them, did make plain, when he testified to the sufferings of The Anointed, and the glories to follow:–to whom it was revealed they were not serving themselves, but you in these things; which have now been announced to you, by those who have declared the good news to you, with the holy Spirit sent down from heaven: into which things, messengers long to look.
13 Therefore, having your gird the loins of your mind keep vigilant, constantly hope for the gift to be brought to you, at the revelation of Yeshua the Anointed. As obedient children, do not conform yourselves according to the former lusts, in your ignorance; but as he who has called you is holy, be holy yourselves in all your behavior: for it is written, “Be holy, because I am holy.”
17 And seeing you call on the Father, who without respect of persons, judges according to every man’s work,–pass the time of your life in fear; knowing that it is not with corruptible things, such as with silver and gold, that you were redeemed from our empty behavior inherited to you by the tradition of your forefathers; but with the precious blood of The Anointed, as of a lamb without blemish, and without spot. 20 For he was predetermined, before the foundation of the world, but made clear in these last times for you; who through him believe in God, who raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory, that your faith and hope might be in God.
22 Since you have purified your souls by obeying the truth, for an unpretending brotherly love (Gk:Philadelphia) , with a pure heart fervently love (agape) one another: having been brought forth (or fathered, conceived) again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, through the word of the living God, which remains. “For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower of it falls down; but the word of the Lord remains forever.”) Now this is that word, which has been proclaimed as good news to you.
Chapter 2
II.–Therefore, laying aside all wickedness, and all deceit and pretending, envying, and all evil speaking; as new-born babes, yearn for the unadulterated milk of the word, that you may grow by it. Because, you have tasted that the Lord is good; to whom coming, as to a living stone, rejected by men, but chosen by God, and precious; you also, as living stones, are built up to a spiritual temple, a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices, most acceptable to God, through Yeshua The Anointed.
6 Therefore, it is contained in the scripture, “Behold I lay in Zion a chief corner stone, chosen, and precious: whoever trusts in it, shall not be ashamed.” to you, then, who trust, it is precious; but to the unbelieving…a stone which the builders rejected, which has become the head of the corner–a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense. Those who stumble at the word, are disobedient unbelievers, to which, they were appointed.
9 But you are an chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a purchased people; that you should declare the excellence of him, who has called you from darkness into his marvelous light: who formerly were not a people, but now are a people of God; who had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
11 Beloved, I implore you, as resident foreigners and travelers; abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul. Let your behavior be good, among the Gentiles, so that when they have spoken against you, as evil doers, they will see your good works, and they may glorify God, in the day of visitation.
Be subordinate, therefore, to every human establishment for the Lord’s sake; whether to the king, as supreme; or to governors (Gk: hegemon; a leader, i.e. chief person), as those sent by him for the punishment of evil doers; but for the praise of those who do good. For so is the will of God, that by doing good, you put to silence the ignorance of foolish men.
16 Live as freemen, yet do not use your freedom as a covering of wickedness; but as the slaves of God. Treat all men with respect: love (agape) the brotherhood: fear God: honor the king.
18 Let household servants be subordinate to their masters, with all fear (or respect); not only to the good and gentle, but also to the crooked. For this finds favor, if any one from conscience of God sustains sorrow by suffering unjustly. But what praise is due, if, when you commit faults and are harshly treated, you bear it patiently? Yet if, when you do well, and suffer, you bear it patiently, this is acceptable with God.
21 Besides, to this you were called; for even The Anointed suffered for us, leaving us a pattern, that you should follow his footsteps; who did not sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth: who, when he was abused, did not abuse in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but committed his cause to him who judges righteously:–who himself bore away our sins in his own body, on the timber (or cross); that we, being freed from sins, and should live to righteousness; for by his wounds you are healed.
25 For you were as sheep going astray, but are now returned to the Shepherd, and overseer of your souls.
Chapter 3
III.–In like manner, let the wives be subordinate to their own husbands; that, if any do not obey the word they may be won by the behavior of their wives, (when they behold your pure behavior joined with fear:) Your adornment must not be external,–the elaborate braiding of hair, jewelry of gold, or finery of dress; but–the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible ornament of a humble and quiet spirit, which in the sight of God is precious. This was the manner of ancient, holy women also, who trusted in God, and adorned themselves, being subordinate to their own husbands; even as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him Lord; whose daughters you have become by doing well, and are not being frightened by any alarm.
7 In like manner, husbands, dwell with your wives according to knowledge, giving honor to the wife, as a delicate vessel, and as joint heir of the favor of life, that your prayers be not hindered. Finally, all of you be of one mind, sympathizing, lovers of the brethren (Gk:philadelphos fond of brethren), tender-hearted, courteous;–not returning evil for evil, or attack for attack; but, on the contrary, bless: knowing that to this you were called, that you might inherit the blessing. “For he who is desires to love Agape) life, and to see good days, let him restrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit. Let him turn away from evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayers; but the face of the Lord is against the workers of iniquity.”
13 Besides, who is he that will do harm to you, if you are zealous for what is good.? Nevertheless, although you even suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed (or happy). Therefore, do not fear their alarm and do not be troubled: but sanctify the Lord God in your hearts; and be always prepared for giving an answer, with gentleness and fear (or reverence), to everyone who asks of you a reason for the hope, which is in you. Hold fast a good conscience, that those who speak evil against you, may be put to shame, who falsely accuse your good behavior in The Anointed. For it is better to suffer for doing what is right, if the will of God appoints it, than doing evil.
18 For even The Anointed once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God; being put to death, in the flesh, but made alive by the Spirit. By which also he made proclamation to the spirits in prison, who formerly were disobedient, when the patience of God once waited, in the days of Noah, while an ark was preparing, in which few, that is, eight souls, were effectually saved through water:–the counterpart, immersion, does also now save us, (not the putting away the filth of the flesh; but the seeking of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Yeshua The Anointed; who, having gone into heaven, is at the right hand of God; messengers, and authorities, and powers, being subordinate to him.
Chapter 4
IV.—Therefore since The Anointed suffered for us in the flesh, you also arm yourselves with the same mind: for he who has suffered in the flesh, has ceased from sin; so that he no longer lives his remaining time in the flesh according to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. For enough time of life has passed sufficient to have worked the will of the Gentiles; having walked in filthiness, lusts, excesses in wine, wild parties, drinking bouts, and abominable idolatries. On all this they wonder, that you do not run with them into the same excess, speaking evil of you:–who shall give account to him, who is prepared to judge the living and the dead. For to this end The Good News was preached to the dead, that they might, be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.
7.–Now the end of all things has approached; therefore be of sound mind and prepared for prayer. And above all things, have fervent love (agape) to one another; for love (agape) will cover a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another, without grumbling. Let everyone serve the others according to the gift he has received, as good managers of the manifold favor of God. If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God: if any one serves, let him do it as from the strength which God supplies; that in all things God may be glorified, through Yeshua The Anointed, to whom be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.
Beloved, do not wonder at the fiery trial among you, which has come upon you for a trial, as if some strange thing happened to you; but, seeing that you partake of the sufferings of The Anointed, rejoice; that also at the revelation of his glory you may rejoice, with exceedingly great joy. If you are reprimanded for the name of The Anointed, you are blessed (or happy); because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. By them, he is evil spoken of, but by you he is glorified. Therefore, let none of you suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or a criminal, or as a meddling person. However, if any one suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God on that account. For it is time for punishment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins first with us, what is the end of those who do not obey The Good News of God? And, if the righteous with difficulty escape, where will the ungodly and the sinner appear! Therefore, then, let those who suffer by the will of God, commit their own lives to him in well doing, as to a faithful Creator.
Chapter 5
V.—I exhort the Elders (Gk:presbuteros older; a senior), who are among you as a fellow an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of The Anointed, and also a partaker of the glory which is to be revealed. Shepherd (Gk:poimaino, to feed, to tend as a shepherd ) the flock of God, which is with you; exercising the overseer’s office, not by constraint, but willingly; not for the sake of filthy gain, but eagerness; neither as lording over the heritage, but being patterns to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd shall appear, you shall receive the crown (Gk:stephanos, wreathe) of glory, which does not fade not away.
5.–For this reason, you younger persons, subordinate yourselves to the elders. Yes, all shall be subordinate to one another, and be clothed with humility; for God resists the proud, but gives favor to the humble. Be humbled, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you at the proper time. Throw all your cares on him, because he cares for you. Be sober, be on the alert: your adversary, The Accuser, is walking about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour: so resist, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the very same sufferings are accomplished in your brethren, who are in the world.
10 After you have suffered a little may the God of all favor, who has called us to his eternal glory by The Anointed Yeshua himself make you complete; support, strengthen, and establish you: to him be the glory, and the dominion, forever and ever. Amen.
Through Sylvanus, a faithful brother, (as I consider him.) I have written to you in few words, exhorting you, and strongly testifying that this is the true favor of God, in which you stand. Those at Babylon, chosen jointly with you, and Mark my son, greet you. Greet one another with a kiss of love (agape). Peace to you all, who are in The Anointed Yeshua.