WEBVTT 00:00:00.520 --> 00:00:03.700 Hello, this is Father Paul, and I'm glad we're 00:00:03.700 --> 00:00:05.719 taking this journey together to read the Bible 00:00:05.719 --> 00:00:09.359 in a year. Today's reading is the first epistle 00:00:09.359 --> 00:00:14.460 of Peter, chapters 1 to 5. Chapter 1. Peter, 00:00:14.660 --> 00:00:18.039 an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the pilgrims of 00:00:18.039 --> 00:00:21.699 the dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, 00:00:21.839 --> 00:00:26.059 Asia, and Bithynia, elect according to the foreknowledge 00:00:26.059 --> 00:00:28.760 of God the Father. in sanctification of the Spirit, 00:00:29.000 --> 00:00:31.899 for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of 00:00:31.899 --> 00:00:35.000 Jesus Christ, grace to you and peace be multiplied. 00:00:35.799 --> 00:00:38.579 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus 00:00:38.579 --> 00:00:42.020 Christ, who according to his abundant mercy has 00:00:42.020 --> 00:00:45.140 begotten us again to a living hope through the 00:00:45.140 --> 00:00:47.799 resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to 00:00:47.799 --> 00:00:51.119 an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and 00:00:51.119 --> 00:00:54.100 that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for 00:00:54.100 --> 00:00:56.899 you. who are kept by the power of God through 00:00:56.899 --> 00:00:59.899 faith for salvation, ready to be revealed in 00:00:59.899 --> 00:01:03.060 the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though 00:01:03.060 --> 00:01:05.799 now for a little while, if need be, you have 00:01:05.799 --> 00:01:08.980 been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness 00:01:08.980 --> 00:01:11.620 of your faith, being much more precious than 00:01:11.620 --> 00:01:14.680 gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, 00:01:14.819 --> 00:01:18.599 may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the 00:01:18.599 --> 00:01:21.760 revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen, 00:01:21.900 --> 00:01:25.189 you love. Though now you do not see him, yet 00:01:25.189 --> 00:01:28.209 believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible 00:01:28.209 --> 00:01:30.870 and full of glory, receiving the end of your 00:01:30.870 --> 00:01:34.609 faith, the salvation of your souls. Of this salvation 00:01:34.609 --> 00:01:37.609 the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, 00:01:37.870 --> 00:01:40.170 who prophesied of the grace that would come to 00:01:40.170 --> 00:01:43.450 you, searching what or what manner of time the 00:01:43.450 --> 00:01:46.310 Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating 00:01:46.310 --> 00:01:49.670 when he testified beforehand the sufferings of 00:01:49.670 --> 00:01:52.579 Christ and the glories that would follow. To 00:01:52.579 --> 00:01:55.099 them it was revealed that, not to themselves, 00:01:55.420 --> 00:01:58.540 but to us, they were ministering the things which 00:01:58.540 --> 00:02:01.239 now have been reported to you through those who 00:02:01.239 --> 00:02:04.140 have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit 00:02:04.140 --> 00:02:07.420 sent from heaven, things which angels desire 00:02:07.420 --> 00:02:10.780 to look into. Therefore, gird up the loins of 00:02:10.780 --> 00:02:14.120 your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully 00:02:14.120 --> 00:02:17.080 upon the grace that is to be brought to you at 00:02:17.080 --> 00:02:20.159 the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, 00:02:20.629 --> 00:02:23.509 not conforming yourselves to the former lusts 00:02:23.509 --> 00:02:26.729 as in your ignorance. But as he who called you 00:02:26.729 --> 00:02:30.050 is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 00:02:30.229 --> 00:02:33.530 because it is written, Be holy, for I am holy. 00:02:33.770 --> 00:02:37.189 And if you call on the Father, who without partiality 00:02:37.189 --> 00:02:40.189 judges according to each one's work, conduct 00:02:40.189 --> 00:02:42.770 yourselves throughout the time of your stay here 00:02:42.770 --> 00:02:46.319 in fear. knowing that you were not redeemed with 00:02:46.319 --> 00:02:49.520 corruptible things, like silver or gold, from 00:02:49.520 --> 00:02:52.360 your aimless conduct received by tradition from 00:02:52.360 --> 00:02:54.520 your fathers, but with the precious blood of 00:02:54.520 --> 00:02:57.180 Christ, as a lamb without blemish and without 00:02:57.180 --> 00:03:00.860 spot. He indeed was foreordained before the foundation 00:03:00.860 --> 00:03:03.719 of the world, but was manifest in these last 00:03:03.719 --> 00:03:06.539 times for you, who through him believe in God, 00:03:06.740 --> 00:03:09.520 who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, 00:03:09.759 --> 00:03:13.349 so that your faith and hope are in God. Since 00:03:13.349 --> 00:03:15.770 you have purified your souls in obeying the truth, 00:03:15.949 --> 00:03:18.750 through the spirit and sincere love of the brethren, 00:03:18.969 --> 00:03:21.689 love one another fervently with a pure heart, 00:03:21.870 --> 00:03:25.009 having been born again, not of corruptible seed, 00:03:25.229 --> 00:03:28.030 but incorruptible, through the word of God which 00:03:28.030 --> 00:03:31.610 lives and abides forever, because all flesh is 00:03:31.610 --> 00:03:34.550 as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower 00:03:34.550 --> 00:03:37.750 of the grass. The grass withers, and its flower 00:03:37.750 --> 00:03:40.629 falls away, but the word of the Lord endures 00:03:40.629 --> 00:03:43.620 forever. Now this is the word which by the gospel 00:03:43.620 --> 00:04:06.879 was preached to you. Coming to him as to a living 00:04:06.879 --> 00:04:10.180 stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by 00:04:10.180 --> 00:04:13.539 God and precious. You also as living stones are 00:04:13.539 --> 00:04:16.800 being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, 00:04:16.899 --> 00:04:20.139 to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to 00:04:20.139 --> 00:04:23.100 God through Jesus Christ. Therefore, it is also 00:04:23.100 --> 00:04:26.079 contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in 00:04:26.079 --> 00:04:30.139 Zion, a chief cornerstone, elect, precious, and 00:04:30.139 --> 00:04:32.680 he who believes on him will by no means be put 00:04:32.680 --> 00:04:35.959 to shame. Therefore, to you who believe, he is 00:04:35.959 --> 00:04:38.889 precious. But to those who are disobedient, the 00:04:38.889 --> 00:04:41.370 stone which the builders rejected has become 00:04:41.370 --> 00:04:44.370 the chief cornerstone, and the stone of stumbling 00:04:44.370 --> 00:04:47.850 and a rock of offense. They stumble being disobedient 00:04:47.850 --> 00:04:50.269 to the word, to which they also were appointed. 00:04:50.670 --> 00:04:54.050 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, 00:04:54.170 --> 00:04:57.430 a holy nation, his own special people. that you 00:04:57.430 --> 00:05:00.189 may proclaim the praises of him who called you 00:05:00.189 --> 00:05:03.250 out of darkness into his marvelous light, who 00:05:03.250 --> 00:05:05.990 once were not a people but are now the people 00:05:05.990 --> 00:05:09.649 of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have 00:05:09.649 --> 00:05:13.370 obtained mercy. Beloved, I beg you as sojourners 00:05:13.370 --> 00:05:16.870 and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which 00:05:16.870 --> 00:05:19.889 war against the soul, having your conduct honorable 00:05:19.889 --> 00:05:23.100 among the Gentiles. that when they speak against 00:05:23.100 --> 00:05:26.160 you as evildoers, they may, by your good works 00:05:26.160 --> 00:05:29.379 which they observe, glorify God in the day of 00:05:29.379 --> 00:05:32.939 visitation. Therefore submit yourselves to every 00:05:32.939 --> 00:05:36.060 ordinance of man for the Lord's sake, whether 00:05:36.060 --> 00:05:39.060 to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to 00:05:39.060 --> 00:05:41.120 those who are sent by him for the punishment 00:05:41.120 --> 00:05:43.680 of evildoers, and for the praise of those who 00:05:43.680 --> 00:05:46.300 do good. For this is the will of God, that by 00:05:46.300 --> 00:05:48.879 doing good you may put to silence the ignorance 00:05:48.879 --> 00:05:52.399 of foolish men. As free, yet not using liberty 00:05:52.399 --> 00:05:55.800 as a cloak for vice, but as bond -servants of 00:05:55.800 --> 00:05:59.339 God. Honor all people, love the brotherhood, 00:05:59.420 --> 00:06:03.860 fear God, honor the king. Servants, be submissive 00:06:03.860 --> 00:06:06.540 to your masters with all fear, not only to the 00:06:06.540 --> 00:06:09.459 good and gentle, but also to the harsh. For this 00:06:09.459 --> 00:06:12.339 is commendable, if because of conscience toward 00:06:12.339 --> 00:06:15.139 God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully. 00:06:15.579 --> 00:06:18.199 For what credit is it if, when you are beaten 00:06:18.199 --> 00:06:21.220 for your faults, you take it patiently? But when 00:06:21.220 --> 00:06:23.759 you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, 00:06:24.019 --> 00:06:27.180 this is commendable before God. For to this you 00:06:27.180 --> 00:06:29.699 were called, because Christ also suffered for 00:06:29.699 --> 00:06:32.819 us, leaving us an example, that you should follow 00:06:32.819 --> 00:06:36.160 his steps. Who committed no sin, nor was deceit 00:06:36.160 --> 00:06:39.120 found in his mouth. Who, when he was reviled, 00:06:39.240 --> 00:06:42.160 did not revile in return. When he suffered, he 00:06:42.160 --> 00:06:44.879 did not threaten, but committed himself to him, 00:06:45.160 --> 00:06:48.360 who judges righteously, who himself bore our 00:06:48.360 --> 00:06:51.740 sins in his own body on the tree, that we, having 00:06:51.740 --> 00:06:54.699 died to sins, might live for righteousness, by 00:06:54.699 --> 00:06:57.439 whose stripes you were healed. For you were like 00:06:57.439 --> 00:07:00.399 sheep going astray, but have now returned to 00:07:00.399 --> 00:07:05.779 the shepherd and overseer of your souls. Chapter 00:07:05.779 --> 00:07:09.699 3 Wives, likewise be submissive to your own husbands, 00:07:09.939 --> 00:07:13.139 that even if some do not obey the word, They, 00:07:13.259 --> 00:07:16.000 without a word, may be won by the conduct of 00:07:16.000 --> 00:07:18.879 their wives, when they observe your chaste conduct 00:07:18.879 --> 00:07:22.139 accompanied by fear. Do not let your adornment 00:07:22.139 --> 00:07:25.420 be merely outward, arranging the hair, wearing 00:07:25.420 --> 00:07:28.560 gold, or putting on fine apparel. Rather, let 00:07:28.560 --> 00:07:31.060 it be the hidden person of the heart, with the 00:07:31.060 --> 00:07:33.980 incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, 00:07:34.240 --> 00:07:37.300 which is very precious in the sight of God. For 00:07:37.300 --> 00:07:40.079 in this manner in former times the holy women 00:07:40.079 --> 00:07:43.569 who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being 00:07:43.569 --> 00:07:46.449 submissive to their own husbands, as Sarah obeyed 00:07:46.449 --> 00:07:49.370 Abraham, calling him Lord, whose daughters you 00:07:49.370 --> 00:07:52.689 are if you do good and are not afraid with any 00:07:52.689 --> 00:07:56.589 terror. Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with 00:07:56.589 --> 00:07:59.470 understanding, giving honor to the wife as to 00:07:59.470 --> 00:08:01.970 the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together 00:08:01.970 --> 00:08:05.089 of the grace of life, that your prayers may not 00:08:05.089 --> 00:08:08.850 be hindered. Finally, all of you be of one mind, 00:08:08.949 --> 00:08:11.879 having compassion for one another. Love as brothers, 00:08:12.079 --> 00:08:14.879 be tenderhearted, be courteous, not returning 00:08:14.879 --> 00:08:18.120 evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on 00:08:18.120 --> 00:08:20.860 the contrary, blessing, knowing that you were 00:08:20.860 --> 00:08:23.620 called to this, that you may inherit a blessing. 00:08:24.060 --> 00:08:27.240 For he who would love life and see good days, 00:08:27.439 --> 00:08:30.480 let him refrain his tongue from evil and his 00:08:30.480 --> 00:08:33.159 lips from speaking deceit. Let him turn away 00:08:33.159 --> 00:08:35.960 from evil and do good. Let him seek peace and 00:08:35.960 --> 00:08:38.620 pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the 00:08:38.620 --> 00:08:41.399 righteous. and his ears are open to their prayers. 00:08:41.559 --> 00:08:44.000 But the face of the Lord is against those who 00:08:44.000 --> 00:08:47.480 do evil. And who is he who will harm you if you 00:08:47.480 --> 00:08:50.279 become followers of what is good? But even if 00:08:50.279 --> 00:08:52.700 you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you 00:08:52.700 --> 00:08:55.539 are blessed. And do not be afraid of their threats, 00:08:55.639 --> 00:08:58.519 nor be troubled, but sanctify the Lord God in 00:08:58.519 --> 00:09:01.059 your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense 00:09:01.059 --> 00:09:04.379 to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope 00:09:04.379 --> 00:09:07.240 that is in you, with meekness and fear, having 00:09:07.240 --> 00:09:09.789 a good conscience, that when they defame you 00:09:09.789 --> 00:09:12.769 as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct 00:09:12.769 --> 00:09:16.570 in Christ may be ashamed. For it is better, if 00:09:16.570 --> 00:09:18.909 it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good 00:09:18.909 --> 00:09:22.129 than for doing evil. For Christ also suffered 00:09:22.129 --> 00:09:25.210 once for sins, the just for the unjust, that 00:09:25.210 --> 00:09:27.769 he might bring us the God, being put to death 00:09:27.769 --> 00:09:31.490 in the flesh, but made alive by the Spirit, by 00:09:31.490 --> 00:09:34.409 whom also he went and preached to the spirits 00:09:34.409 --> 00:09:38.029 in prison, who formerly were disobedient. when 00:09:38.029 --> 00:09:40.370 once the divine long -suffering waited in the 00:09:40.370 --> 00:09:43.009 days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, 00:09:43.289 --> 00:09:46.970 in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved 00:09:46.970 --> 00:09:50.190 through water. There is also an antitype which 00:09:50.190 --> 00:09:53.649 now saves us, baptism, not the removal of the 00:09:53.649 --> 00:09:55.929 filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good 00:09:55.929 --> 00:09:58.870 conscience toward God. Through the resurrection 00:09:58.870 --> 00:10:02.110 of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven, and 00:10:02.110 --> 00:10:04.830 is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities 00:10:04.830 --> 00:10:08.289 and powers, having been made subject to him. 00:10:10.830 --> 00:10:14.190 Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the 00:10:14.190 --> 00:10:17.129 flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, 00:10:17.330 --> 00:10:20.210 for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased 00:10:20.210 --> 00:10:23.370 from sin, that he no longer should live the rest 00:10:23.370 --> 00:10:26.029 of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, 00:10:26.169 --> 00:10:29.279 but for the will of God. For we have spent enough 00:10:29.279 --> 00:10:32.059 of our past lifetime in doing the will of the 00:10:32.059 --> 00:10:35.159 Gentiles, when we walked in lewdness, lusts, 00:10:35.159 --> 00:10:38.259 drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and 00:10:38.259 --> 00:10:41.379 abominable idolatries. In regard to these, they 00:10:41.379 --> 00:10:43.720 think it strange that you do not run with them 00:10:43.720 --> 00:10:46.799 in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil 00:10:46.799 --> 00:10:49.580 of you. They will give an account to him who 00:10:49.580 --> 00:10:52.240 is ready to judge the living and the dead. For 00:10:52.240 --> 00:10:54.779 this reason, the gospel was preached also to 00:10:54.779 --> 00:10:57.220 those who are dead. that they might be judged 00:10:57.220 --> 00:11:00.159 according to men in the flesh, but living according 00:11:00.159 --> 00:11:03.139 to God in the Spirit. But the end of all things 00:11:03.139 --> 00:11:06.639 is at hand. Therefore, be serious and watchful 00:11:06.639 --> 00:11:09.720 in your prayers, and above all things, have fervent 00:11:09.720 --> 00:11:12.639 love for one another, for love will cover a multitude 00:11:12.639 --> 00:11:15.399 of sins. Be hospitable to one another without 00:11:15.399 --> 00:11:18.659 grumbling. As each one has received the gift, 00:11:18.799 --> 00:11:21.460 minister it to one another, as good stewards 00:11:21.460 --> 00:11:24.779 of the manifold grace of God. If anyone speaks, 00:11:25.120 --> 00:11:28.039 let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone 00:11:28.039 --> 00:11:30.820 ministers, let him do it as with the ability 00:11:30.820 --> 00:11:34.100 which God supplies, that in all things God may 00:11:34.100 --> 00:11:36.899 be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong 00:11:36.899 --> 00:11:39.419 the glory and the dominion forever and ever. 00:11:39.519 --> 00:11:42.740 Amen. Beloved, do not think it strange concerning 00:11:42.740 --> 00:11:45.779 the fiery trial which is to try you, as though 00:11:45.779 --> 00:11:48.470 some strange thing happened to you. But rejoice 00:11:48.470 --> 00:11:51.870 to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, 00:11:51.889 --> 00:11:54.830 that when his glory is revealed, you may also 00:11:54.830 --> 00:11:58.129 be glad with exceeding joy. If you are reproached 00:11:58.129 --> 00:12:00.809 for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for 00:12:00.809 --> 00:12:03.769 the spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. 00:12:03.909 --> 00:12:07.289 On their part he is blasphemed, but on your part 00:12:07.289 --> 00:12:10.590 he is glorified. But let none of you suffer as 00:12:10.590 --> 00:12:14.909 a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody 00:12:14.909 --> 00:12:17.889 in other people's matters. Yet if anyone suffers 00:12:17.889 --> 00:12:21.029 as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let 00:12:21.029 --> 00:12:24.090 him glorify God in this matter. For the time 00:12:24.090 --> 00:12:26.590 has come for judgment to begin at the house of 00:12:26.590 --> 00:12:29.769 God. And if it begins with us first, what will 00:12:29.769 --> 00:12:32.110 be the end of those who do not obey the gospel 00:12:32.110 --> 00:12:35.490 of God? Now, if the righteous one is scarcely 00:12:35.490 --> 00:12:38.169 saved, where will the ungodly and the sinner 00:12:38.169 --> 00:12:41.389 appear? Therefore, let those who suffer according 00:12:41.389 --> 00:12:44.029 to the will of God commit their souls to him 00:12:44.029 --> 00:12:49.710 in doing good. As to a faithful, Creator. Chapter 00:12:49.710 --> 00:12:53.789 5 The elders who are among you, I exhort, I who 00:12:53.789 --> 00:12:56.590 am a fellow elder, and a witness of the sufferings 00:12:56.590 --> 00:12:59.409 of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that 00:12:59.409 --> 00:13:02.169 will be revealed, shepherd the flock of God which 00:13:02.169 --> 00:13:05.830 is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion, 00:13:05.950 --> 00:13:09.409 but willingly, not for dishonest gain, but eagerly, 00:13:09.450 --> 00:13:12.210 not as being lords over those entrusted to you, 00:13:12.289 --> 00:13:15.409 but being examples to the flock. And when the 00:13:15.409 --> 00:13:17.590 chief shepherd appears, you will receive the 00:13:17.590 --> 00:13:20.549 crown of glory that does not fade away. Likewise, 00:13:20.750 --> 00:13:23.110 you younger people, submit yourselves to your 00:13:23.110 --> 00:13:25.750 elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one 00:13:25.750 --> 00:13:28.950 another, and be clothed with humility, for God 00:13:28.950 --> 00:13:31.649 resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. 00:13:32.090 --> 00:13:34.710 Therefore, humble yourselves under the mighty 00:13:34.710 --> 00:13:37.590 hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 00:13:37.730 --> 00:13:40.610 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares 00:13:40.610 --> 00:13:44.100 for you. Be sober, be vigilant. Because your 00:13:44.100 --> 00:13:46.320 adversary the devil walks about like a roaring 00:13:46.320 --> 00:13:49.620 lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, 00:13:49.720 --> 00:13:52.500 steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same 00:13:52.500 --> 00:13:55.000 sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood 00:13:55.000 --> 00:13:57.559 in the world. But may the God of all grace, who 00:13:57.559 --> 00:14:00.019 called us to his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, 00:14:00.259 --> 00:14:03.539 after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, 00:14:03.919 --> 00:14:06.580 strengthen and settle you. To him be the glory 00:14:06.580 --> 00:14:10.179 and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. By Silvanus, 00:14:10.200 --> 00:14:12.740 our faithful brother, as I consider him, I have 00:14:12.740 --> 00:14:15.419 written to you briefly, exhorting and testifying 00:14:15.419 --> 00:14:18.840 that this is the true grace of God in which you 00:14:18.840 --> 00:14:21.740 stand. She who is in Babylon, elect together 00:14:21.740 --> 00:14:24.840 with you, greets you, and so does Mark, my son. 00:14:25.179 --> 00:14:27.700 Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace 00:14:27.700 --> 00:14:36.240 to you all who are in Christ Jesus. Amen. I hope 00:14:36.240 --> 00:14:38.100 you enjoyed today's reading as much as I did. 00:14:38.559 --> 00:14:40.200 And I look forward to seeing you again tomorrow 00:14:40.200 --> 00:14:42.720 to continue on our journey. God bless you and 00:14:42.720 --> 00:14:43.399 have a great day.