1 Peter 4

1 For, for this cause was the gospel preached also to the dead: That they might be judged indeed according to men, in the flesh: but may live according to God, in the Spirit. 2 But the end of all is at hand. Be prudent therefore and watch in prayers. 3 But before all things have a constant mutual charity among yourselves: for charity covereth a multitude of sins. 4 Using hospitality one towards another, without murmuring, 5 As every man hath received grace, ministering the same one to another: as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 6 If any man speak, let him speak, as the words of God. If any minister, let him do it, as of the power which God administereth: that in all things God may be honoured through Jesus Christ: to whom is glory and empire for ever and ever. Amen. 7 Dearly beloved, think not strange the burning heat which is to try you: as if some new thing happened to you. 8 But if you partake of the sufferings of Christ, rejoice that, when his glory shall be revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 9 If you be reproached for the name of Christ, you shall be blessed: for that which is of the honour, glory and power of God, and that which is his Spirit resteth upon you. 10 But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or a railer or coveter of other men’s things. 11 But, if as a Christian, let him not be ashamed: but let him glorify God in that name. 12 For the time is, that judgment should begin at the house of God. And if at first at us, what shall be the end of them that believe not the gospel of God? 13 And if the just man shall scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? 14 Wherefore let them also that suffer according to the will of God commend their souls in good deeds to the faithful Creator. 16 The ancients therefore that are among you, I beseech who am myself also an ancient and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as also a partaker of that glory which is to be revealed in time to come: 17 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking care of it, not by constraint but willingly, according to God: not for filthy lucre’s sake but voluntarily: 18 Neither as lording it over the clergy but being made a pattern of the flock from the heart. 19 And when the prince of pastors shall appear, you shall receive a never fading crown of glory.