1 Peter 5
1 As for the older ones among you, who are elders in the church, I, their fellow elder, and a witness to the sufferings of the Christ, who will also share in the glory that is to be revealed –
So I exhort the Elders among you--I who am their fellow Elder and have been an eye-witness of the sufferings of the Christ, and am also a sharer in the glory which is soon to be revealed.
2 I beg you to be true shepherds of the flock of God among you, not because you are compelled, but of your own free will; not from a base love of gain, but with a ready spirit;
Be shepherds of God's flock which is among you. Exercise the oversight not reluctantly but eagerly, in accordance with the will of God; not for base gain but with cheerful minds;
3 not as lords of your charges, but as examples to your flock.
not lording it over your Churches but proving yourselves patterns for the flock to imitate.
4 Then, when the chief shepherd appears, you will win the crown of glory that never fades.
And then, when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the never-withering wreath of glory.
5 Again, you younger ones should show deference to the older. And all of you should put on the badge of humility in mutual service, for ‘God is opposed to the proud, but gives his help to the humble.’
In the same way you younger men must submit to your elders; and all of you must gird yourselves with humility towards one another, for God sets Himself against the proud, but gives grace to the humble.
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in his good time,
Humble yourselves therefore beneath the mighty hand of God, so that at the right time He may set you on high.
7 laying all your anxieties on him, for he makes you his care.
Throw the whole of your anxiety upon Him, because He Himself cares for you.
8 Exercise self-control, be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, like a roaring lion, is prowling about, eager to devour you.
Curb every passion, and be on the alert. Your great accuser, the Devil, is going about like a roaring lion to see whom he can devour.
9 Stand firm against him, strong in your faith; knowing, as you do, that the sufferings which you are undergoing are being endured to the full by the Lord’s followers throughout the world.
Withstand him, firm in your faith; knowing that your brethren in other parts of the world are passing through just the same experiences.
10 God, from whom all help comes, and who called you, by your union with Christ, into his eternal glory, will, when you have suffered for a little while, himself perfect, establish, strengthen you. (aiōnios g166)
And God, the giver of all grace, who has called you to share His eternal glory, through Christ, after you have suffered for a short time, will Himself make you perfect, firm, and strong. (aiōnios g166)
To Him be all power unto the Ages of the Ages! Amen. (aiōn g165)
12 I have been writing to you briefly by the hand of Silas, our true-hearted friend (for so I regard him), to encourage you, and to bear my testimony that in what I have written is to be found the true love of God. On that take your stand.
I send this short letter by Silas, our faithful brother--for such I regard him--in order to encourage you, and to bear witness that what I have told you is the true grace of God. In it stand fast.
13 Your sister church in ‘Babylon’ sends you greeting, and so does Mark, who is as a son to me.
The Church in Babylon, chosen like yourselves by God, sends greetings, and so does Mark my son.
14 Greet one another with the kiss of love. May God give his peace to you all in your union with Christ.
Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace be with all of you who are in Christ.
