As Newborn Babes
1 So put aside every trace of malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slanderandhateful speech;
2 like newborn babies [you should] long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may be nurturedandgrow in respect to salvation [its ultimate fulfillment],
3 if in fact you have [already] tastedthe goodnessandgracious kindness of the Lord.
As Living Stones
4 Come to Him [the risen Lord] as to a living Stone which men rejectedandthrew away, but which is choice and precious in the sight of God.
5 You [believers], like living stones, arebeing built up into a spiritual house for a holyanddedicated priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices [that are] acceptableandpleasing to God through Jesus Christ.
6 For this is contained in Scripture:
“Behold, Iam laying inZion a chosen stone,aprecious(honored) Cornerstone,
And he who believes inHim[whoever adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Him]will never be disappointed[in his expectations].”
7 This precious value, then, is for you who believe [in Him as God’s only Son–the Source of salvation]; but for those who disbelieve,
“The[very]stone which the buildersrejected
Has become the chiefCornerstone,”
8 and,
“Astone of stumbling and a rock of offense”;
for they stumble because they disobey the word [of God], and to this they [who reject Him as Savior] were also appointed.
9 But you area chosen race,aroyalpriesthood,aconsecrated nation,a[special]people forGod’sown possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies [the wonderful deeds and virtues and perfections] of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.
10 Once you werenot a people[at all], but now you are God’s people; once you hadnot received mercy, but now you havereceived mercy.
11 Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers [in this world] to abstain from the sensual urges [those dishonorable desires] that wage war against the soul.
12 Keep your behavior excellent among the [unsaved] Gentiles [conduct yourself honorably, with graciousness and integrity], so thatfor whatever reason they may slander you as evildoers, yet by observing your good deeds they may [instead come to] glorify Godin the day of visitation [when He looks upon them with mercy].
Honor Authority
13 Submit yourselves to [the authority of] every human institution for the sake of the Lord [to honor His name], whether it is to a king as one in a position of power,
14 or to governors as sent by him to bring punishment to those who do wrong, and to praiseandencourage those who do right.
15 For it is the will of God that by doing right you may silence (muzzle, gag) the [culpable] ignoranceandirresponsible criticisms of foolish people.
16 Liveas free people, but do not use your freedom as a coverorpretext for evil, but [use it and live] as bond-servants of God.
17 Show respect for all people [treat them honorably], love the brotherhood [of believers], fear God, honor the king.
18 Servants, be submissive to your masters with all [proper] respect, not only to those who are good and kind, but also to those who are unreasonable.
19 For thisfindsfavor, if a person endures the sorrow of suffering unjustly because of anawareness of [the will of] God.
20 After all, what kind of credit is there if, when you do wrong and are punished for it, you endure it patiently? But if when you do what is right and patiently bear [undeserved] suffering, thisfindsfavor with God.
Christ Is Our Example
21 For [as a believer] you have been called for this purpose, since Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you may follow in His footsteps.
22 Hecommitted no sin,nor was deceit ever found inHis mouth.
23 While being reviledandinsulted, He did not revileorinsult in return; while suffering, He made no threats [of vengeance], but kept entrustingHimselfto Him who judges fairly.
24 He personally carried our sins in His body on thecross [willingly offering Himself on it, as on an altar of sacrifice], so that we might die to sin [becoming immune from the penalty and power of sin] and live for righteousness; for by His wounds you [who believe] have beenhealed.
25 For you were continually wandering like [so many] sheep, but now you have come back to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.