< 1 Peter 5 >
1 I want to encourage the elders among you. I'm also an elder, a witness to Christ's sufferings, and I will share in the glory that is to come.
Therefore, I beg the elders who are among you, as one who is also an elder and a witness of the Passion of Christ, who also shares in that glory which is to be revealed in the future:
2 Look after God's flock you have been given to care for, watching over it not because you're forced to, but gladly, as God wants you to. Do this willingly, not looking to make a profit from it.
pasture the flock of God that is among you, providing for it, not as a requirement, but willingly, in accord with God, and not for the sake of tainted profit, but freely,
3 Don't be arrogant, lording it over those who have been put in your care, but be an example to the flock.
not so as to dominate by means of the clerical state, but so as to be formed into a flock from the heart.
4 When the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive a glorious crown that will never fade.
And when the Leader of pastors will have appeared, you shall secure an unfading crown of glory.
5 Young people, do what the elders tell you. Indeed all of you should serve one another in humility, because “God is against the proud, but favors the humble.”
Similarly, young persons, be subject to the elders. And infuse all humility among one another, for God resists the arrogant, but to the humble he gives grace.
6 Humble yourself before God's powerful hand so that he will lift you up at the appropriate time.
And so, be humbled under the powerful hand of God, so that he may exalt you in the time of visitation.
7 Surrender all your worries to him, because he cares for you.
Cast all your cares upon him, for he takes care of you.
8 Be responsible, and stay alert. The devil, your enemy, is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
Be sober and vigilant. For your adversary, the devil, is like a roaring lion, traveling around and seeking those whom he might devour.
9 Stand firm against him, trusting in God. Remember that your fellow-believers around the world are going through similar troubles.
Resist him by being strong in faith, being aware that the same passions afflict those who are your brothers in the world.
10 After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace who called you into his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore you, support you, strengthen you, and give you a solid foundation. (aiōnios )
But the God of all grace, who has called us to his eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will himself perfect, confirm, and establish us, after a brief time of suffering. (aiōnios )
11 To him be power forever and ever! Amen. (aiōn )
To him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. (aiōn )
12 With the help of Silvanus, whom I consider a trustworthy brother, I send this letter to you. In these few words I've written I want to encourage you and testify that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in God's grace!
I have written briefly, through Sylvanus, whom I consider to be a faithful brother to you, begging and testifying that this is the true grace of God, in which you have been established.
13 The believers here in “Babylon,” chosen together with you, send their greetings to you, as does Mark, my son.
The Church which is in Babylon, elect together with you, greets you, as does my son, Mark.
14 Greet each other with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.
Greet one another with a holy kiss. Grace be to all of you who are in Christ Jesus. Amen.