and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit. 11 He must turn away from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it. 12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are open to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil." 13 Who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. Do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled, 15 but in your hearts reverence Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and respect; 16 and keep a clear conscience, so that, when you are abused, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. 17 For it is better to suffer for doing right, if that should be God's will, than for doing wrong. 18 For Christ also died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit; 19 in which also he went and preached to the spirits in prison, 20 who formerly did not obey, when the patience of God waited in the days of Noah, during the building of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were saved through water. 21 And corresponding to that, baptism now saves youónot the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscienceóthrough the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels and authorities and powers subject to him. 4 1 Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human lusts, but for the will of God. 3 For you have spent enough time in the past doing what the Gentiles like to do, living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and lawless idolatry. 4 In all this, they are surprised that you do not run with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they abuse you; 5 but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this reason the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though they are judged in the flesh as men, they might live in the spirit according to the will of God. 7 The end of all things is near; therefore be clear minded and sober for your prayers. 8 Above all, hold unfailing your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of God's varied grace. 11 Whoever speaks is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the