Petri I 5
1 Seniores ergo, qui in vobis sunt, obsecro, consenior et testis Christi passionum: qui et eius, quæ in futuro revelanda est, gloriæ communicator:
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 –
2 pascite qui in vobis est gregem Dei, providentes non coacte, sed spontanee secundum Deum: neque turpis lucri gratia, sed voluntarie:
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;
3 neque ut dominantes in cleris, sed forma facti gregis ex animo.
not as lords of your charges, but as examples to your flock.
4 Et cum apparuerit Princeps pastorum, percipietis immarcescibilem gloriæ coronam.
Then, when the chief shepherd appears, you will win the crown of glory that never fades.
5 Similiter adolescentes subditi estote senioribus. Omnes autem invicem humilitatem insinuate, quia Deus superbis resistit, humilibus autem dat gratiam.
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.”
6 Humiliamini igitur sub potenti manu Dei, ut vos exaltet in tempore visitationis:
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in his good time,
7 omnem solicitudinem vestram proiicientes in eum, quoniam ipsi cura est de vobis.
laying all your anxieties on him, for he makes you his care.
8 Sobrii estote, et vigilate: quia adversarius vester diabolus tamquam leo rugiens circuit, quærens quem devoret:
Exercise self-control, be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, like a roaring lion, is prowling about, eager to devour you.
9 Cui resistite fortes in fide: scientes eamdem passionem ei, quæ in mundo est, vestræ fraternitati fieri.
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.
10 Deus autem omnis gratiæ, qui vocavit nos in æternam suam gloriam in Christo Iesu, modicum passos ipse perficiet, confirmabit, solidabitque. (aiōnios g166)
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)
To him be ascribed dominion for ever. Amen. (aiōn g165)
12 Per Silvanum fidelem fratrem vobis, ut arbitror, breviter scripsi: obsecrans et contestans, hanc esse veram gratiam Dei, in qua statis.
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.
13 Salutat vos Ecclesia, quæ est in Babylone coelecta, et Marcus filius meus.
Your sister church in “Babylon” sends you greeting, and so does Mark, who is as a son to me.
14 Salutate invicem in osculo sancto: Gratia vobis omnibus, qui estis in Christo Iesu. Amen.
Greet one another with the kiss of love. May God give his peace to you all in your union with Christ.
