A. 2:1 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, 2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: 3 If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.
B. 4 To whom coming, as unto a living stone,
disallowed indeed of men,
but chosen of God, and precious,
C. 5 Ye also, as lively stones,
are built up a spiritual house,
an holy priesthood,
to offer up spiritual sacrifices,
acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
B’. 6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture,
a. Behold, I lay (tithemi) in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.
b. 7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient (disbelieving),
a’. the stone which the builders disallowed,
the same is made the head of the corner,
(8) And a stone of stumbling,
and a rock of offence,
even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient (disbelieving): whereunto also they were appointed (tithemi).
C’. 9 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:
10 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.
A’. 11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; 12 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.
2A. 13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; 14 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.
2B. 15 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: 16 As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.
2C. 17 Honour all men.
2C’. Love the brotherhood.
2B’. Fear God.
2A’. Honour the king.