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.
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 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.
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 Don't be arrogant, lording it over those who have been put in your care, but be an example to the flock.
not as lords of your charges, but as examples to your flock.
4 When the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive a glorious crown that will never fade.
Then, when the chief shepherd appears, you will win the crown of glory that never fades.
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.”
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 Humble yourself before God's powerful hand so that he will lift you up at the appropriate time.
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in his good time,
7 Surrender all your worries to him, because he cares for you.
laying all your anxieties on him, for he makes you his care.
8 Be responsible, and stay alert. The devil, your enemy, is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
Exercise self-control, be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, like a roaring lion, is prowling about, eager to devour you.
9 Stand firm against him, trusting in God. Remember that your fellow-believers around the world are going through similar troubles.
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 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 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 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 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 The believers here in “Babylon,” chosen together with you, send their greetings to you, as does Mark, my son.
Your sister church in ‘Babylon’ sends you greeting, and so does Mark, who is as a son to me.
14 Greet each other with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.
Greet one another with the kiss of love. May God give his peace to you all in your union with Christ.
