GREETING

1 Peter,a an apostle of Jesus Christ:

To those chosen, living as exilesb dispersedc abroadA in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,d chosene 2 according to the foreknowledgef of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit,g to be obedienth and to be sprinkled with the bloodi of Jesus Christ.

May grace and peace be multiplied to you.

A LIVING HOPE

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.j Because of his great mercyk he has given us new birthl into a living hopem through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the deadn 4 and into an inheritance that is imperishable,o undefiled, and unfading, kept in heavenp for you. 5 You are being guarded by God’s powerq through faith for a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.r 6 You rejoice in this,B even though now for a short time, if necessary, you suffer grief in various trialss 7 so that the proven character of your faitht—more valuable than gold which, though perishable, is refined by fireu—may resultv in praise, glory, and honorw at the revelation of Jesus Christ.x 8 Though you have not seeny him, you love him;z though not seeing him now, you believe in him, and you rejoiceaa with inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 because you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.