I want to tell those of you who have sinned in the past, and all the others; I said it before during my second visit to you, but I will say it again now that I am away: the next time I come nobody will escape punishment.

From Peter, apostle of Jesus Christ--- To God's chosen people who live as refugees scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia.

You were chosen according to the purpose of God the Father and were made a holy people by his Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be purified by his blood. May grace and peace be yours in full measure.

I think it only right for me to stir up your memory of these matters as long as I am still alive.

I will do my best, then, to provide a way for you to remember these matters at all times after my death.

For this reason I remind you to keep alive the gift that God gave you when I laid my hands on you.

Those who are pure in act and in thought, who do not worship idols or make false promises.

God is indeed good to Israel, to those who have pure hearts.

"Happy are the pure in heart; they will see God!

Be in no hurry to lay hands on people to dedicate them to the Lord's service. Take no part in the sins of others; keep yourself pure.

Now that by your obedience to the truth you have purified yourselves and have come to have a sincere love for other believers, love one another earnestly with all your heart.

And so I will always remind you of these matters, even though you already know them and are firmly grounded in the truth you have received.