4

To whom you come, as to a living stone, not honoured by men, but of great and special value to God

5

You, as living stones, are being made into a house of the spirit, a holy order of priests, making those offerings of the spirit which are pleasing to God through Jesus Christ.

6

Because it is said in the Writings, See, I am placing a keystone in Zion, of great and special value and the man who has faith in him will not be put to shame.

7

And the value is for you who have faith but it is said for those without faith, The very stone which the builders put on one side, was made the chief stone of the building

8

And, A stone of falling, a rock of trouble the word is the cause of their fall, because they go against it, and this was the purpose of God.

9

But you are a special people, a holy nation, priests and kings, a people given up completely to God, so that you may make clear the virtues of him who took you out of the dark into the light of heaven.

10

In the past you were not a people, but now you are the people of God then there was no mercy for you, but now mercy has been given to you.

11

My loved ones, I make this request with all my heart, that, as those for whom this world is a strange country, you will keep yourselves from the desires of the flesh which make war against the soul

12

Being of good behaviour among the Gentiles so that though they say now that you are evil-doers, they may see your good works and give glory to God when he comes to be their judge.