The King James Version Bible

1 Peter 2:8-21

  1. And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.

  2. But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

  3. Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

  4. Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;

  5. Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

  6. Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;

  7. Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.

  8. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:

  9. As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.

  10. Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.

  11. Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.

  12. For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.

  13. For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.

  14. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: