may grow by it to
salvation, [2:3]if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.
[2:4]To whom coming, a living stone, rejected indeed by men but
approved by God, elect, precious, [2:5]do you also yourselves be built
up living stones, a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer
spiritual sacrifices well pleasing to God through Jesus Christ,
[2:6]for it is said in the Scripture, Behold, I lay in Zion a chief
corner stone, elect, precious, and he that believes on him shall not be
ashamed. [2:7]To you therefore who believe he is precious; but to the
disobedient, the stone which the builders rejected has become the head
of a corner [2:8]and a stone of stumbling and rock of offense, who
stumble at the word, being disobedient, to which also they were
appointed. [2:9]But you are an elect race, a royal priesthood, a holy
nation, a peculiar people, that you should declare the virtues of him
who called you out of darkness into his glorious 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.

CHAPTER II.

PERSONAL, POLITICAL, AND SOCIAL DUTIES, ETC.

1 [2:11]BELOVED, I exhort you as strangers and foreigners, abstain from
carnal desires, which war against the soul, [2:12]having your conduct
honorable among the gentiles, that wherein they speak against you as
evil-doers, from the good works which they see they may glorify God in
the day of visitation.

2 [2:13]Be subject therefore to every human government, for the Lord's
sake, whether to the king, as superior, [2:14]to governors, sent by him
for the punishment of evil doers and the praise of those who do well;
[2:15]for this is the will of God, that by well-doing you may silence
the ignorance of foolish men; [2:16]as free, and not using freedom for
a cloak of vice, but as servants of God. [2:17]Honor all men, love the
brotherhood, fear God, honor the king.

3 [2:18]Let servants be subject with all fear to masters, not only to
the good and gentle but also to the perverse. [2:19]For this deserves
thanks, if on account of a knowledge of God one endures pain, suffering
unjustly. [2:20]For what glory is it if when you sin and are punished
you bear it patiently? But if you do well and suffer and bear it
patiently, [this deserves thanks], for it is acceptable to God.
[2:21]For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us,
leaving you a copy that you should follow his steps, [2:22